Diagnosis and classification of the periodontal diseases.

A classification for gingivitis and periodontitis has been proposed based on clinical observations and immunologic parameters (summarized in Table 10). Overlapping clinical situations and exceptions to the rule certainly exist and pose challenges to clinicians during diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. The clinical significance of making the diagnosis of either rapidly progressive periodontitis, juvenile, or prepubertal forms of periodontitis compared with adult periodontitis must be considered. A diagnosis of early-onset disease may (1) modify the periodontal treatment plan and may include the use of systemic antibiotics (for example, tetracyclines) or antiplaque agents (for example, sanguinarine, chlorhexidine); (2) modify the prosthetic treatment plan and require longer periods of monitoring before extensive replacement or splinting is initiated; (3) increase the frequency of periodontal recall appointments (at least four to six times during the first year or two following peridontal therapy); (4) implicate a genetic basis for the disease with the possibility of peridontal involvement of other family members; (5) influence decisions on prognosis; and (6) alert the clinician for potential future rapid periodontal breakdown. Future studies will further define and characterize all forms of periodontal diseases. Clinical, microbial, and immunologic information may permit inclusion of the relatively rare forms of periodontitis such as ANUG periodontitis and refractory periodontitis. Understanding the underlying biologic mechanisms of the pathogenesis of the periodontal diseases, coupled with clinical observations, will permit improved clinical investigations that ultimately will improve therapeutic approaches.