Periodontal Staging and Grading
The 2017 World Workshop classification framework that categorises periodontal disease by severity and complexity (Stages I–IV) and by rate of progression and risk factors (Grades A–C).
Full Definition
Adopted at the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions, the Staging and Grading system replaced the earlier chronic/aggressive periodontitis nomenclature. Staging (I–IV) reflects disease severity based on interdental CAL, radiographic bone loss, and complexity factors such as tooth loss. Grading (A–C) reflects the rate of disease progression and integrates systemic risk modifiers such as smoking and diabetes. Editors must ensure that staging and grading are presented in correct order and format — always 'Stage' before 'Grade' — and that Roman numerals are used for stages and Latin letters for grades (e.g., 'Stage III, Grade C'). This framework appears in virtually all current periodontal case reports and should be applied consistently.
Usage
Usage note: Always use Roman numerals for stages (I–IV) and capital letters for grades (A–C). The terms 'chronic periodontitis' and 'aggressive periodontitis' are deprecated under this system and should be flagged in manuscripts that still use them. Confirm the year of the classification in references.
In Context
- "The patient was diagnosed with Stage III, Grade B periodontitis, generalised, with a history of smoking." — Periodontal diagnosis report
- "Authors should replace 'aggressive periodontitis' with the appropriate Stage and Grade designation per the 2017 AAP/EFP classification." — Journal editorial instruction