Periodontitis classification
Describe periodontitis by stage, grade, extent and current stability. Staging considers severity and complexity; grading considers progression and risk.
Understand
Stage captures severity and management complexity; grade reflects likely progression and risk. Extent describes distribution. Stability and recurrence matter after treatment.
Assess
Use radiographic bone loss, clinical attachment loss, tooth loss attributable to periodontitis, probing and complexity factors. Interpret age, smoking and diabetes in context.
Apply
Write a complete diagnosis that guides therapy and prognosis. Avoid assigning a stage from one isolated pocket or assuming all missing teeth were lost to periodontitis.
Key distinctions
Current classification asks for stage, grade, extent and stability, but real cases may have incomplete historical records. Complexity factors such as furcation involvement, tooth mobility and masticatory dysfunction can affect stage beyond measured attachment loss. Grade estimates future risk from available evidence and modifiers; be clear when the rate of past progression is unknown.
Think through a case
Two patients have similar bone loss, but one progressed rapidly at a young age and smokes heavily. The stage may match while the grade and risk discussion differ.
The distinction to remember
Do not infer stage, grade or tooth-loss cause from one isolated radiograph or an incomplete history.
Test your recall
What does grade principally communicate?
Show answer
Rate of progression and risk profile.