What percentage of patients accounted for the majority of tooth loss in the study?

The choice indicating that 17% of patients accounted for the majority of tooth loss is supported by the concept of the "80/20 rule" or Pareto principle, which asserts that a small percentage of individuals often contribute to a large portion of a specific outcome, in this case, tooth loss.

This percentage reflects a common finding in dental research, where a relatively small cohort of patients may experience significant dental issues, leading to tooth loss. Such patients typically have severe periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene, systemic health issues, or other risk factors that contribute to their oral health deterioration.

Recognizing that 17% of patients could be responsible for a considerable amount of tooth loss emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions for high-risk individuals and suggests that resources and preventive measures could be effectively allocated by focusing on this smaller group. This approach can lead to better outcomes in managing periodontal disease and preventing tooth loss in the patient population.