Periodontal Classification Revisited: The Classification System in the Test of Time.

At the EuroPerio conference held in Amsterdam in 2018, an update to the previous classification of periodontal diseases was presented. The update was a joint effort of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP). On the face of it, the new classification system for diagnosing periodontal diseases and conditions is merely an update of previous definitions from 1999. However, upon close examination, it is much more than another semantic change of old definitions. The new classification rocks the ground upon which generations of pre- and post-graduate students and specialists in the field have stood. It is a perceptual change in the way clinicians describe, diagnose, and ultimately treat periodontal patients.

Periodontal disease and its impact on general health in Latin America. Section IV: Diagnosis.

The art of diagnosis is of great importance in the management of any disease. This includes preventive and therapeutic strategies. To make an accurate and effective diagnosis, knowledge about the health-disease process is fundamental. This paper reviews the important aspects for periodontal diagnosis in a contemporary approach, and endeavors to establish challenges for improving periodontal diagnosis, especially in Latin America. Considering that contemporary periodontal diagnosis should be based on knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of periodontal diseases, this paper highlights that the recently proposed classification system for periodontal diseases and conditions was based on the best available evidence. This system was conceived for individual diagnosis, therefore, its use in research and epidemiological settings might be limited. The system leads to a practical implication that stresses the importance of interviewing the patient, thorough periodontal charting, and requesting any imaging and other complementary tests necessary. An important observation is that partial periodontal data recordings usable for screening are not diagnostic methods and might underestimate disease. The goals of utmost importance for Latin America are to increase the awareness of both the population and the profession and to prioritize correct periodontal diagnosis. In addition, learning how to use the new classification system will help with diagnosing periodontal diseases.

Tooth loss in adults: factors associated with the position and number of lost teeth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors associated with tooth loss in adults from the position and number of teeth lost in the dental arches. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study with adults participating in the epidemiological survey of oral health of São Paulo in 2015. The outcome of the study was tooth loss, assessed by the proposed classification, namely: I) lost up to 12 back teeth; II) lost up to 12 teeth (including front teeth); and III) lost more than 12 teeth. A four-block analysis was conducted, supported by a conceptual theoretical model adapted for tooth loss. For the multinomial logistic regression, "individuals who did not lose teeth due to caries or periodontal disease" was used as reference (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Of 6,051 adults evaluated, 25.3% (n = 1,530) were classified in category I, 32.7% (n = 1,977) in II, 9.4% (n = 568) in III, and 1.9% (n = 117) were edentulous. Lower income and schooling, the perception of need for treatment and the last appointment motivated by routine, pain or extraction were associated with tooth loss, regardless of the classification. The negative evaluation of the dental service was associated with individuals who lost up to 12 teeth, both front and back. The presence of women and periodontal pocket were associated with tooth loss of up to 12 teeth, including front, and more than 12 teeth. Caries were associated with adults who lost up to 12 teeth, including front teeth. CONCLUSION: The proposed classification allowed the identification of differences between the associated factors. Thus, the need to consider such classification in future studies is evident.

[2018 world new classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions].

World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions was held in Chicago on November 9 to 11, 2017. More than one hundred experts from all over the world attended the conference and updated the 1999 classification of periodontal diseases and conditions, and developed a similar scheme for peri-implant diseases and conditions. The case definitions and diagnostic criteria were also established to aid clinicians in the use of the new classification. Nineteen review papers and four consensus reports covering relevant areas in periodontology and implant dentistry were simultaneously published in special issue of Journal of Periodontology and Journal of Clinical Periodontology in June 2018. This paper summarizes the new classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions, and briefly introduce the changes made to the 1999 classification.

Variations in Periodontal Diagnosis Among Clinicians: dental hygienists' experiences and perceived barriers.

Purpose: Research indicates clinicians face barriers when attempting to utilize evidence-based protocols for periodontal disease and periodontal disease diagnosis often varies between dental providers. The purpose of this study was to identify and better understand dental hygienists' perceived barriers and experiences during the process of diagnosing periodontal disease in clinical practice.Methods: This study used a qualitative design and a purposive sample of dental hygienists (n=20). Utilizing a virtual video-conferencing platform, participants logged into focus group sessions to discuss their experiences with diagnosing periodontal disease in clinical practice. Focus group sessions were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis involved the use of inductive coding to draw themes from the data.Results: Dental hygienists reported being responsible for periodontal disease diagnosis, and that they utilized similar classification systems, and agreed with colleagues' periodontal disease diagnoses. However, participants reported the lack of a standardized periodontal classification system was confusing when communicating outside of their dental practice and described both intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to diagnosing disease. A common theme expressed by participants was that patients' lack of acceptance of their periodontal disease status and inability to fund treatment interfered with providing an evidence-based diagnosis and treatment plan. Newly licensed dental hygienists felt somewhat prepared to diagnose periodontal disease upon completion of their education but reported increased confidence in their skills and knowledge with years of practice and continuing education.Conclusion: Study data indicates dental hygienists feel the lack of a standardized periodontal classification system causes confusion and inconsistencies when communicating with other oral health care providers outside of their clinical practice setting, and dental hygienists face barriers when diagnosing periodontal disease. These findings may be instrumental in assisting educators in preparing students for clinical practice.

Distribution of biopsied non plaque-induced gingival lesions in a Chilean population according to the classification of periodontal diseases.

BACKGROUND: Many gingival lesions are not induced by plaque. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of biopsied non-plaque-induced gingival lesions (NPIGL) in a Chilean population. METHODS: One thousand twelve cases of biopsied gingival lesions with confirmed anatomopathologic diagnosis were included, from the records of the Oral Pathology Referral Institute (OPRI), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile, between years 1990 and 2009. RESULTS: The most frequent non plaque-induced gingival lesions categories from biopsied cases included hyperplastic lesions, malignancies and benign neoplasms. The most frequent diagnoses in each category were fibrous hyperplasia (35.47%), squamous cell carcinoma (3.85%) and giant cell fibroma (2.08%), respectively. From all lesions, only 8.3% fitted in the specified categories of the current classification of periodontal diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent biopsied NPIGL were hyperplastic lesions and neoplasms. These categories represent relevant lesions to be included in a future periodontal classification system to improve the care needs of the patients, as well as early diagnosis and treatment.

Socioeconomic status and self-reported periodontal symptoms in community-dwelling individuals: data from the Korea Community Health Surveys of 2011 and 2013.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the association between socioeconomic status and self-reported periodontal symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data were used from the 2011 and 2013 Community Health Surveys. The 210,432 (weighted n = 36,294,413) and 220,396 (weighted n = 39,067,134) subjects, respectively, were aged 19 years or older. Proportional and systematic sampling was performed. Surveys were conducted by trained interviewers using computer-assisted personal interviewing. The proportions of subjects with tooth mobility, gingival swelling, calculus and gingival bleeding were calculated. Independent variables included sex, age and socioeconomic status measures (education, occupation and income). Differences in the self-reported periodontal symptoms rates according to socioeconomic status were determined using independent t-tests and one-way analysis of variance. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association of periodontal symptoms with socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Approximately 30% of the subjects reported at least one symptom of periodontal disease; 11.3% and 9.6% reported gingival bleeding and gingival swelling, respectively, while 5.6% and 3.5% reported dental calculus and tooth mobility, respectively. There were significant associations with self-reported periodontal symptoms according to occupation, education and income (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of self-reported periodontal symptoms differed according to socioeconomic status. Subjects with lower socioeconomic status reported more advanced periodontal disease symptoms, such as gingival swelling, while those with higher socioeconomic status reported more incipient periodontal symptoms, such as gingival bleeding. Socioeconomic status remains a factor affecting self-reported periodontal symptoms in community-dwelling individuals in Korea.

Evaluating periodontal disease misclassification mechanisms under partial-mouth recording protocols.

AIM: To evaluate the assumptions underlying the use of partial-mouth recording (PMR) protocols and the associated mechanisms of potential misclassification of periodontal disease. METHODS: Using data from 640 participants in the VA Dental Longitudinal Study, we compared tooth-specific and site-specific clinical measures and calculated sensitivity and specificity of different PMR protocols by applying the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with the American Academy of Periodontology definitions for periodontitis as the full-mouth reference standard. Additionally, we evaluated alternative case definitions for PMR protocols that accounted for the reduction in numbers of teeth under observation. RESULTS: In this cohort, periodontitis presented as a generalized condition in that measures of clinical severity did not differ meaningfully according to site measured, oral quadrant or jaw. Sensitivity of disease classification under PMR protocols was a function of the number of teeth and sites under observation and the case definition applied. Sensitivity increased when case definitions were modified to account for the smaller number of teeth under observation with PMR protocols. However, specificity was reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Misclassification of periodontal disease by PMR protocols is not random, even if sites under observation are randomly selected. PMR protocols can be selected/modified to maximize sensitivity, but they do so at the expense of bias in mean measures of severity.

Efeitos terapêuticos do uso de produtos derivados da romã (punica granatum) como coadjuvante no tratamento das doenças periodontais: uma revisão de literatura / Therapeutic effects of the use of pomegranate products (Punica granatum) as adjuvant in the treatment of periodontal diseases: a review of the literature

A romã (Punica granatum) possui uma vasta história médica conhecida por sua ação antibacteriana, antioxidante e anti-inflamatória. A presente revisão teve como objetivo verificar os potenciais efeitos terapêuticos do uso de produtos derivados da P. granatum como coadjuvante no tratamento das doenças periodontais. Descritores em inglês e português dos termos: "romã", "doença periodontal", "gengivite", "periodontite" e "punica granatum", foram utilizados para consulta nas bases de dados Pubmed, Lilacs e Scielo. Para avaliação dos efeitos anti-inflamatórios, antimicrobianos e clínicos da romã foram incluídos trabalhos clínicos e pré-clínicos, sem restrições de data. Os diferentes estudos selecionados avaliaram P. granatum em diferentes formulações, incluindo bochechos, géis, infusão, dentifrícios, e chips biodegradáveis. Os resultados demostraram que os componentes fitoquímicos de P. granatum, como polifenóis flavonoides, punicalaginas, ácido punícico e antocinas apresentam propriedades relevantes pró-saúde periodontal, que incluem efeitos anti-inflamatórios, antioxidantes, hemostáticos e imunoregulatórios. Estudos in vivo utilizando diferentes formulações da romã em participantes acometidos por gengivite ou periodontite apresentaram reduções nos índices de placa, sangramento gengival e profundidade de sondagem em graus variados. Conclui-se que P. granatum pode ser uma promissora alternativa à terapia antimicrobiana padrão, para auxílio do controle mecânico de placa, com melhora dos sinais clínicos das doenças periodontais. Contudo, mais estudos clínicos ainda são necessários. (AU)

The pomegranade (Punica granatum) has a vast medical history know by its antibacterial, antioxidant and antiinflammatory action. The presente review aimed at verifying the potential therapeutic effects of products derived from P. granatum as adjuvant in the treatment of periodontal diseases. English and Portugueses descriptors of the terms "pomegranate", "periodontal disease", "gingivitis", "periodontitis" and "Punica granatum" were used for search in Pubmed, Lilacs and Scielo databases. To assess the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and clinical effects of pomegranate, clinical and preclinical were included, with no date restrictions. The different studies evaluated P. granatum in different formulations, including mouthwash, gels, infusion, dentifrices, and biodegradable chips. Results showed that the phytochemical components of P. granatum, such as polyphenois flavonoids, punicalagins, punicic acid and antocines, demonstrated relevant periodontal prohealth properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hemostatic and immunoregulatory effects. In vivo studies, using different pomegranade formulations in individuals affected by gingivitis or periodontitis, showed reductions in plaque index, gingival bleeding and probing depth in different levels. It was concluded that P. granatum could be a promising alternative to the standard antimicrobial therapy in order to aid the mechanical control of plaque, with improvement of clinical signs of periodontal diseases. However, more clinical studies are still necessary. (AU)

Dental and periodontal health, and microbiological and salivary conditions in patients with or without diabetes undergoing haemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the dental and periodontal health, as well as the microbiological and salivary conditions, of patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) who are receiving haemodialysis. METHODS: One-hundred and fifty-nine haemodialysis patients were included and divided into groups according to the pre-existing diabetes status: DM or no DM. The oral examination included dental findings and assessment of the periodontal situation. The periodontal condition was classified as healthy/mild, moderate or severe periodontitis. Subgingival biofilm samples were analysed using the polymerase chain reaction. The salivary diagnostics included measurement of unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow, pH and buffer capacity. Statistical analyses used Fisher's test, the t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test (α = 5%). RESULTS: The dental findings showed no significant difference between patients with and without DM (P = 0.44). The prevalence of periodontitis was high (96% in patients with DM and 97% in patients who did not have DM) and there was no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.71). There was a higher prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Parvimonas micros, Eubacterium nucleatum and Capnocytophaga spp. in patients without DM (P < 0.05). The salivary pH was significantly higher in patients without DM (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: While differences in the prevalence of periodontal pathogenic bacteria and in the salivary pH were detected between the groups, the dental and periodontal status was comparable between patients with and without DM. Accordingly, DM appears to have no decisive influence on the oral health in patients treated with haemodialysis who have well-controlled diabetes.

Derivation and Validation of the Periodontal and Tooth Profile Classification System for Patient Stratification.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study is to use bioinformatics tools to explore identification and definition of distinct periodontal and tooth profile classes (PPCs/TPCs) among a cohort of individuals by using detailed clinical measures at the tooth level, including both periodontal measurements and tooth loss. METHODS: Full-mouth clinical periodontal measurements (seven clinical parameters) from 6,793 individuals from the Dental Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (DARIC) were used to identify PPC. A custom latent class analysis (LCA) procedure was developed to identify clinically distinct PPCs and TPCs. Three validation cohorts were used: NHANES (2009 to 2010 and 2011 to 2012) and the Piedmont Study population (7,785 individuals). RESULTS: The LCA method identified seven distinct periodontal profile classes (PPCs A to G) and seven distinct tooth profile classes (TPCs A to G) ranging from health to severe periodontal disease status. The method enabled identification of classes with common clinical manifestations that are hidden under the current periodontal classification schemas. Class assignment was robust with small misclassification error in the presence of missing data. The PPC algorithm was applied and confirmed in three distinct cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest PPC and TPC using LCA can provide robust periodontal clinical definitions that reflect disease patterns in the population at an individual and tooth level. These classifications can potentially be used for patient stratification and thus provide tools for integrating multiple datasets to assess risk for periodontitis progression and tooth loss in dental patients.

Periodontal disease detection in primary and mixed dentitions.

AIM: This was to compare the periodontal status of children with primary and mixed dentition at the time of their first consultation. METHODS: Children (200), aged 0-12 years (156 with mixed and 44 with primary dentition), were examined by assessing their simplified plaque index (PI) and simplified periodontal record (PSR). Statistical analysis (Chi-square test) was performed with appropriate software to find any significant associations between sex, type of dentition and PI with the PSR codes (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference with regard to gender (p = 0.82). Generalised PI was associated more significantly with mixed dentition (p = 0.025 and higher PSR scores (p < 0.001). There was no significant relationship between sex and PSR codes (p = 0.82). CONCLUSION: Children presenting with a mixed dentition had worse PI values and PSR scores. It is important to perform periodontal examination in children to diagnose and prevent future periodontal disease and maintain their dentition as well as to identify any associated systemic conditions.

[Technical complications rates and plaque control of fixed dental prostheses in patients treated for periodontal disease].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of technical complications of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses in Chinese patients with a history of moderate or severe periodontitis and periodontally healthy patients(PHP) and analyze the effects of interproximal papillae patterns on food impaction and efficacy of plaque control. METHODS: A total of 103 partially edentulous patients treated with implant-supported fixed dental prostheses between December 2009 and December 2012 for a minimum 1-year follow-up period were recruited from Department of Periodontology, Peking University, School and Hospital of Stomatology. Based on the initial periodontal examination, the participants were divided into three groups: 30 PHP, 36 moderate periodontally compromised patients(mPCP) and 37 severe periodontally compromised patients(sPCP). Implant survival/loss, technical complications, plaque index, papilla index, food impaction and degree of proximal contact tightness of each patient were assessed around the implants at follow-up. According to the implant papilla index, the implants were divided into two groups: the "filling" group with the mesial and distal aspects with papilla index=3 and the "no filling" group with at least one aspect with papilla index<3. Data on implant survival, technical complications were analyzed. Comparisons of the incidence of technical complications were performed between the patients with different periodontal conditions with chi-square or Fisher's exact test. The influences of the interproximal papillae loss on food impaction and efficacy of plaque control were estimated with chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The total implant survival rate was 100%(162/162) for all three groups. Technical complications were as following: veneer fractures(1.9%, 3/162), abutment screw loosening(1.9%, 3/162), prosthetic screw loosening(3.1%, 5/162) and decementation(3.1%, 5/162) in all subjects. No implant/screw fracture was noted. The incidence of technical complications in sPCP, mPCP and PHP did not yield statistically significant differences(P>0.05). The proportion of the implant with the mesial and distal papilla index=3 in the sPCP was less than that in the PHP and mPCP. The interproximal papillae loss did not appear to affect the food impaction and the plaque index in all three groups(P>0.05). However, for the PHP, the accumulation of plaque at buccal aspect was more in the "no filling" group compared with the "filling" group (implant plaque index[M(Q)]: 1[1] vs 0[0]), and for the sPCP, the accumulation of plaque at lingual aspect was more in the "filling" group compared with the "no filling" group(implant plaque index[M(Q)]: 1[1] vs 0[1], (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The patients with a history of severe periodontitis did not exhibit more technical problems compared with the periodontally healthy patients. The interproximal papillae loss did not show a negative impact on the plaque control and food impaction. However, for the sPCP, changing the morphology and the position of the interproximal contact point to reduce the interdental black triangle may lead to accumulation of plaque at lingual aspect. More attention should be placed on the morphology design of prosthesis, but not the papillae filling up the interproximal space.

Classification of periodontal biotypes with the use of CBCT. A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between periodontal morphometric parameters and to develop a biotype classification based on the variables examined with the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two periodontally healthy subjects that underwent a CBCT examination as part of a different diagnostic procedure participated in the study. Measurements were performed on sectional images and included gingival thickness and labial bone plate thickness midbuccally, crown width to crown length ratio, bone crest to the CEJ distance and bone crest to the gingival margin distance midbuccally, and at the approximal aspects of 186 maxillary anterior teeth. RESULTS: Gingival thickness at the level of CEJ was positively correlated with labial bone plate thickness and crown form. Crown form was not correlated with labial bone plate thickness. Cluster analysis supported the existence of four periodontal biotypes, "thin," "thick," "average," and "mixed." Labial bone plate thickness was thinner than 1 mm at 70 % of the measured sites. CONCLUSIONS: Only 50 % of the teeth belonged to thin or thick biotype. The other 50 % of the teeth belonged to the average cluster or presented mixed characteristics. Assessment of labial bone plate thickness based on periodontal biotype should be made with caution. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Taking into consideration the characteristics of periodontal biotypes enables the clinician to avoid complications in periodontology, prosthetic dentistry, implant dentistry in the esthetic zone, and orthodontics.