Classification System for Periodontal Diseases and Conditions

There is ongoing confusion regarding how to classify periodontal disease diagnoses. Some dental offices still use outdated AAP classifications or case type classifications developed by some dental insurance companies (primarily Delta, particularly WDS).

In 1999, the American Academy of Periodontology significantly revised their guidelines for periodontal disease classifications. You may read AAP "Development of a Classification System for Periodontal Diseases and Conditions"; Annals of Periodontology, Volume 4 Classification article for helpful details.

In this article, the classifications in Figure 1 may be used as a guide in patient work-ups, charting, and dental insurance documentation. Here is an abbreviated version of the periodontal diseases classifications:

Gingival Diseases

• Dental plaque-induced gingival diseases
  • Gingivitis, plaque-associated
  • Gingival diseases modified by systemic factors
    • pregnancy-associated gingivitis
    • diabetes-associated gingivitis
• Non-plaque-induced gingival lesions

Chronic Periodontitis (slight: 1-2 mm CAL; moderate: 3-4 mm CAL; severe: > 5 mm CAL)

• Localized (< 30% of sites are involved)
• Generalized (> 30% of sites are involved)

Aggressive Periodontitis (slight: 1-2 mm CAL; moderate: 3-4 mm CAL; severe: > 5 mm CAL)

• Localized (< 30% of sites are involved)
• Generalized (> 30% of sites are involved)

Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Diseases

• Associated with hematological disorders
• Associated with genetic disorders
• Not otherwise specified

Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases

• Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
• Necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis

Abscesses of the Periodontium

• Gingival abscess
• Periodontal abscess
• Pericoronal abscess

Periodontitis Associated With Endodontic Lesions

• Combined periodontic-endodontic lesions

Developmental or Acquired Deformities and Conditions

• Localized tooth-related factors that modify or predispose to plaque-induced gingival diseases/periodontitis
• Mucogingival deformities and conditions around teeth
• Mucogingival deformities and conditions on edentulous ridges
• Occlusal trauma

See the more detailed Periodontal Disease Classification System.

See the WDS Case Types.

More free Dental Practice Management Free goodies:

Dr. O's Dental Consultant Management Downloads 

Dr. O's Dental Office Sample Letters

Dr. O's Dental Insurance and Coding Documents