Severe gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Many people assume that once teeth become loose or are badly affected by gum disease, they will eventually need to be removed. However, a new study offers encouraging news.
Howe, M., Richards, D., Ten-Year Survival of Posterior Teeth in Patients with Periodontitis Following Systematic Periodontal Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Using Only Open-Access Evidence and Analytic Tools, J Dent (2025) 106299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2025.106299.
We reviewed the results of more than 90,000 teeth from patients who had received treatment for gum disease and continued to attend regular maintenance appointments. They found that almost 9 out of 10 back teeth were still present 10 years later, showing that many teeth can be saved for the long term with the right care.
The study also found that premolars (the smaller back teeth) tended to survive longer than molars, which are larger teeth at the very back of the mouth. This is probably because molars have more complex roots, are harder to clean, and are subjected to greater chewing forces.
One of the study’s unique features was its use of only free, open-access research papers and freely available analysis tools. The results closely matched previous studies that had access to expensive subscription-only journals. This suggests that high-quality dental research can be conducted using freely available scientific information, thereby making evidence-based dentistry more accessible to clinicians worldwide.
The researchers also emphasised that success depends on more than the treatment itself. Regular dental visits, good brushing and cleaning between the teeth, avoiding smoking, and controlling health conditions such as diabetes all play an important role in keeping teeth healthy.
The message for patients is reassuring: even if you have experienced gum disease, losing your teeth is not inevitable. With modern periodontal treatment, good home care and ongoing professional maintenance, many natural teeth can continue to function well for many years.
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