Indices for measuring periodontitis: a literature review

Abstract

Indices are important tools to measure, quantify and treat periodontitis both in epidemiological and clinical situations and are based on the prevailing understanding of the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. However, there is dearth of literature on collective information of periodontal indices formulated to date. This article collectively describes the evolution and the present concept of formulation of periodontal indices based on the multi-factorial nature of periodontal disease and also provides some direction for future periodontal indices. Periodontal indices have evolved from the simple Russell's index to the current usage of measurement of clinical attachment level in the recording of indices. The use of dichotomous measurements and the Genetic Susceptibility Index are the new additions to the periodontal indices. Nevertheless, an ideal would be an index that will keep pace with the ever changing concept of the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

The use of medicinal preparations for preprosthetic and prosthetic purposes

“…The researchers recommend the use of clinical parameters such as GI, Pl, Izk, Ikon and NPE in order to establish precise anticipation and plan of periodontal therapy, and adequate monitoring of the achieved results [6][7][8][9][10] . Similarly, in this study the clinical parameters showed in all patients a low level of oral hygiene at the time of beginning of the study (Figures 1, 3 and 5) and an improvement in maintaining it one week after the applied therapy.…”

“…They are in the form of mouth rinses, gels, and they can be added to the toothpaste, too. The best known agents are chlorhexidine digluconate and fluorides [8][9][10] . Similarly, in this study the active ingredients of the Lacalut paste and solutions contributed significantly to the lower values of Pl.…”

“…4,5 The conducted research recommend the use of clinical parameters such as Gingival Index (GI) which determines the degree of gingival inflammation; Plaque Index (PI), Tartar Index (TI) and the Subgingival Dental Calculus Index (SCI) which are indicators of the oral hygiene; Attachment level index (Al) which is an indicator of the periodontal tissue destruction in order to set up adequate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan for periodontitis and adequately track the achieved results and the success of the applied therapy. [6][7][8][9][10] Lacalut active paste and Lacalut active solution are often used in patients with periodontal disease. Paste produces a feeling of gingival solidification, reduces gingival inflammation and bleeding, and is important in the prevention of dental caries.…”

Oral hygiene, periodontal status and treatment needs in 12 years old students, Castro-Chile, 2014.

“…When assessing pupils from different CPITN registers the more common and treatable periodontal conditions: gingival bleeding, calculus and periodontal pocket 12 . However, when using teeth indices, the extent and severity of the illness may be underestimated 8 .…”

“…The Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), recommended by the WHO 7 , is used for this purpose. It is to a standard measurement system used as an epidemiological tool for making comparisons between populations 8 .…”