Contributing Writer Dr. O's Dental Consultant Coding Info
WDS Periodontal Disease Classification
WDS (Washington Dental Service, a Delta dental insurance company) uses a periodontal disease classification system based on pocket depth readings, recession, and furcation. They call the classifications "case types."
Here is the table that WDS included in their April 2010 Processing Policies Manual:
| Case Type | Characteristics | Pocket Depths | Furcation Grade | Gum Recession | Attachment Loss |
| 0 Clinically Healthy |
Pink, firm, resilient without inflammation | 1 to 3 mm | None | None | None |
| 1 Chronic Marginal Gingivitis |
Reddish blue with inflammation, bleeds with gentle probing | < 4 mm | None | None | None |
| 2 Early Periodontitis |
Progression of inflammation, early bone loss with moderate bleeding | 4 to 5 mm | May have Grade I furcation | May exhibit signs of early recession | Ranges from 1 to 5 mm |
| 3 Moderate Periodontitis |
Increased destruction of tissues | 5 to 7 mm | Grade II furcation | Advancing recession | 5 to 7 mm |
| 4 Advanced Periodontitis |
Further progression with severe destruction of periodontal structures | > 7 mm | Grade II to Grade II furcation | Advancing recession | 6+ mm |
Note that this is NOT the classification system recommended by the AAP. It should not be used for clinical diagnoses; it should be used for insurance claim purposes only, and even then only with WDS policies.
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Dr. O's Dental Insurance and Coding Documents
See the AAP Classifications
