Periodontal Staging and Grading
The 2017 World Workshop classification framework for characterising the severity (stage) and rate of progression (grade) of periodontitis in a patient.
Full Definition
The 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases introduced a new staging and grading system replacing earlier severity-based classifications. Staging (I–IV) describes the severity and complexity of the disease based on factors including interdental clinical attachment loss, radiographic bone loss, and tooth loss due to periodontitis. Grading (A–C) reflects the rate of progression, risk factors such as smoking and diabetes, and systemic impact. In dental research manuscripts, authors must apply this classification correctly and consistently; editors should verify that stage and grade are reported separately, not merged into a single descriptor. The system supersedes the 1999 classification and terms such as 'chronic periodontitis' and 'aggressive periodontitis' are no longer preferred nomenclature.
Usage
Usage note: 'Chronic periodontitis' and 'aggressive periodontitis' are outdated terms superseded by this framework; flag their use in manuscripts submitted after 2018.
In Context
- "All patients were classified according to the 2017 World Workshop periodontal staging and grading criteria prior to enrolment." — Patient inclusion criteria, clinical trial protocol
- "The manuscript used the obsolete term 'chronic periodontitis'; the editor requested reclassification using the 2017 staging and grading system." — Editorial revision request