How frequently should periodontal assessments be conducted for high-risk patients?

For high-risk patients, periodontal assessments should ideally be conducted every three to six months. This frequency is crucial due to the increased likelihood of periodontal disease progression in these individuals, which may include patients with a history of periodontal disease, those who smoke, or individuals with systemic conditions such as diabetes that can exacerbate periodontal issues.

Frequent monitoring allows for timely interventions, such as scaling and root planing or other necessary treatments, to prevent further tissue loss and ensure better management of periodontal health. In contrast, conducting assessments less frequently, such as annually or every six months, may be inadequate for high-risk patients, as it could lead to undetected disease progression and increased severity of periodontal issues. Therefore, the three to six-month interval is aligned with best practices for managing the periodontal health of vulnerable populations.