Using Delphi technique to survey criteria for successful periodontal treatment in Esfahan

Periodontists use some vague criteria to assess success of periodontal treatments. This study used Delphi technique and periodontists’ experience to determine agreement on success criteria of periodontal treatment.
In this descriptive study 15 practicing periodontists from Esfahan were questioned to determine the importance of attachment level, probing depth, mobility, plaque, inflammation and patient satisfaction following periodontal treatment of mandibular anterior teeth in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis. The periodontists were asked to answer questions about the relative importance of these factors, the minimum acceptable level for each criterion and the length of time for these parameters to remain stable. The frequency distributions of the answers were determined.
Following two rounds of Delphi surveys, the periodontists considered the attachment level, bone loss, plaque level and esthetics to be very important parameters for successful periodontal treatment. Probing depth, inflammation, function and patient satisfaction were considered to be important factors for successful periodontal treatment.
The results of this study showed that attachment level, bone loss, plaque level and esthetics have the highest level of importance in successful periodontal treatment.