Classification of Gingival & Periodontal

Diseases

By

Dr. Jaffar Raza

Main features of AAP 1999 classification systemi. Comprehensive section of gingival diseases is included in this classification.

ii. There is replacement of the term adult periodontitis with chronic periodontitis, since epidemiological evidence suggests that chronic periodontitis may also be seen in adolescents.

iii. There is elimination of separate categories of rapidly progressive periodontitis and refractory perio-dontitis because of the lack of evidence that they represent separate conditions.

iv. There is replacement of the term early onset periodontitis with aggressive periodontitis largely because of the clinical difficulties in determining the age of onset in many of these cases. The author of this new classification also questions the use of the term juvenile periodontitis for the same reasons. They have replaced the term with localized and generalized aggressive periodontitis. The term aggressive was added because bone and tissue destruction occurs rapidly as compared with other periodontitis.

Main features of AAP 1999 classification systemv. A new classification group of periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic

disease has been created and this includes those cases of prepubertalperiodontitis directly resulting from known systemic diseases.

vi. There are also new group categories of abscesses of the periodontium, periodontic – endodontic lesions and developmental/acquired deformities/conditions.