Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment in any medical field, and periodontology is no exception. For dental clinicians and researchers alike, a robust and contemporary classification system for periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions is indispensable. Such a system not only guides patient care but also underpins scientific investigations into the causes, progression, and management of these conditions. This article provides an overview of the new classification framework that emerged from the globally recognized World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions.
The collaborative initiative, spearheaded by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), convened leading experts from across the globe. The journey to update the existing 1999 classification began in 2015, culminating in a pivotal workshop held in Chicago from November 9th to 11th, 2017. This intensive effort involved the commissioning of 19 comprehensive review papers and four consensus reports, meticulously examining critical areas within periodontology and implant dentistry.
A central objective of the World Workshop was to revise and refine the nearly two-decade-old 1999 classification of periodontal diseases. Furthermore, the experts aimed to establish a parallel classification system for the increasingly prevalent peri-implant diseases and conditions. Beyond categorization, the workgroups were tasked with defining clear case definitions and formulating diagnostic criteria. These criteria are designed to empower clinicians to effectively utilize the new classification system in their daily practice, ensuring accurate periodontal diagnosis and informed treatment planning. The outcomes and recommendations presented at the workshop achieved unanimous consensus among the participants, reflecting a unified global perspective.
This introductory overview serves as a gateway to the new classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions. It presents a condensed schematic framework for each of the four workgroup sections. However, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the rationale, specific criteria, and interpretation nuances of this proposed classification, readers are strongly encouraged to consult the detailed consensus reports and review papers. These source documents provide in-depth discussions and the scientific evidence underpinning the new system.
A significant aspect of this update is the explicit highlighting and discussion of the changes implemented since the 1999 classification. While the workshop prioritized evidence-based decision-making, it was acknowledged that in areas where robust research data was lacking, expert opinion and lower levels of evidence were considered. The overarching goal remained to align the classification scheme with the most current scientific understanding of periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions.
The schematic tables representing the new classification are a key component of this overview. They offer a concise visual representation of the updated framework. It is crucial to recognize that this introductory article cannot encompass the extensive body of knowledge contained within the review papers, case definition papers, and consensus reports that shaped the new classification. Therefore, for both effective case management in clinical practice and rigorous scientific investigation, referring to the consensus and case definition papers is indispensable. This overview should be regarded as an initial guide, prompting readers to delve deeper into the subject matter through the recommended resources. For readers accessing this publication online, direct links to the source papers are embedded within this overview and the tables, facilitating immediate access to the complete documentation (Table ).
Alt text: Summary table of the new periodontal and peri-implant classifications, highlighting key categories and diagnostic criteria. This table provides a visual overview of the updated classification system for dental professionals.
