Bleeding on probing. A parameter for monitoring periodontal conditions in clinical practice

Abstract

The present study is a follow-up report on the use of bleeding on probing (BOP) as a clinical indicator for disease progression or periodontal stability, respectively. Following active periodontal therapy, 39 patients were incorporated in a program of supportive periodontal therapy for a period of 53 months with recall intervals varying between 2-8 months. The patients received supportive therapy 7 to 14 x. At the beginning of each maintenance visit, the tissues were evaluated using BOP. Reinstrumentation was only performed at sites which bled on probing. However, supragingival plaque and calculus were always removed. Probing depth and probing attachment levels were determined after active treatment and at the conclusion of the study. Progression of periodontal disease was defined by a measured loss of probing attachment of 2 mm or more. During the observation period, 4.2% of all the sites lost attachment. Approximately 50% of these losses were due to periodontal disease progression, while the other half was the result of attachment loss in conjunction with recession of the gingiva. 2/3 of all the sites which lost attachment were found in a group of patients which presented a mean BOP > or = 30%. In a group of patients with a mean BOP of < or = 20%, only 1/5 of the loser sites were found. This clearly indicated, that patients with a mean BOP of < or = 20% have a significantly lower risk for further loss of probing attachment at single sites.

Interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 gene polymorphisms and the risk of further periodontal disease progression

“…32 In another study that evaluated the use of bleeding on probing as an indicator for periodontal disease progression or disease stability, the majority of patients who experienced disease progression demonstrated a mean BOP score of greater than or equal to 30%. 33 On the other hand, individuals with BOP score less than or equal to 20% exhibited a significantly lower risk for further attachment loss. Moreover, a retrospective study reported that patients with 16% or more BOP sites were more likely to experience further periodontal breakdown during the maintenance phase of periodontal therapy.…”

Effect of different localizations of microgap on clinical parameters and inflammatory cytokines in peri-implant crevicular fluid: a prospective comparative study

“…BOP has been used an objective inflammatory parameter for the evaluation of periodontal conditions. A BOP prevalence of 25% has been considered the cut-off point between patients with maintained periodontal stability and patients with recurrent disease [52]. Studies of Claffey et al [53] and Badersten et al [54] revealed further evidence of BOP percentages between 20% and 30% determining a higher risk for disease progression.…”

The effect of smoking on bleeding on probing after nonsurgical periodontal therapy: a quasi-experimental study

“…15,16 This parameter is associated with the presence of biofilm and subgingival calculus, 17 and has been used to indicate the need for subgingival intervention. 18,19 During periodontal maintenance, BoP and probing pocket depth (PPD) are used as prognostic factors for future periodontal disease activity. 20 The absence of BoP has been shown to be a good indicator of stable CAL, and its presence has a moderate predictive value for future attachment loss.…”