Periodontal inflamed surface area and periodontal case definition classification

Abstract

Objective: To assess whether a higher periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) may reflect more severe periodontitis, and if so, to calculate which cut-off point should be used to classify a patient as suffering from periodontitis.

Material and methods: Eighty subjects were selected based on their periodontal status and were divided into 4 groups of 20 each; periodontally healthy, mild periodontitis, moderate periodontitis and severe periodontitis. In addition, demographic data, smoking status and socioeconomic status were also recorded.

Results: The highest mean PISA value was obtained for the severe periodontitis group (2309.42 ± 587.69 mm²) and the least for the periodontally healthy (34.30 ± 16.48 mm²). The PISA values corresponding to the three categories of periodontitis severity were significantly higher than the periodontally healthy group. When receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed, a PISA value ≥130.33 mm² predicted the presence of periodontitis with a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 100%.

Conclusions: PISA is a periodontal parameter that may be used in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – American Academy of Periodontology case definition classification in periodontal medicine research.