Periodontal inflamed surface area and periodontal case definition classification.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether a higher periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) may reflect more severe periodontitis, and if so, to calculate which cut-off point should be used to classify a patient as suffering from periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty subjects were selected based on their periodontal status and were divided into 4 groups of 20 each; periodontally healthy, mild periodontitis, moderate periodontitis and severe periodontitis. In addition, demographic data, smoking status and socioeconomic status were also recorded.

RESULTS

The highest mean PISA value was obtained for the severe periodontitis group (2309.42 ± 587.69 mm) and the least for the periodontally healthy (34.30 ± 16.48 mm). The PISA values corresponding to the three categories of periodontitis severity were significantly higher than the periodontally healthy group. When receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed, a PISA value ≥130.33 mm predicted the presence of periodontitis with a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

PISA is a periodontal parameter that may be used in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - American Academy of Periodontology case definition classification in periodontal medicine research.