Application of the new periodontal classification: Part 2

The World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions was convened in 2017 and resulted in the publication of a new classification system in 2018.1 This replaces the formerly used 1999 (Armitage) Classification.2 The complete Workshop proceedings are available to clinicians for free online via the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) website.3 The new process for diagnosing and classifying cases of periodontitis incorporates staging and grading of each case.4 At its simplest, the stage represents an interpretation of periodontitis severity and the complexity of management of the case. The grade provides supplemental evidence on the historic rate of disease progression, and can help to identify cases where risk factors exist and/or where expected outcomes of therapy may be less favourable.5 Diagnostic decision trees may be of value to practitioners in applying the new classification in daily practice. The current series utilises the decision tree published by the British Society of Periodontology (BSP),6 as this arguably represents the simplest approach to classifying periodontitis cases.