[Diagnosis of plaque related periodontal diseases]

Plaque related periodontal diseases include the area of slight gingivitis and advanced destructive periodontitis featuring loss of periodontal attachment and alveolar bone destruction. The progression of periodontitis may vary from rapid progressive disease, to stable condition but also remission of the disease. Not all patients are equally susceptible to destructive periodontal disease. Therefore, the 'risk concept' was introduced. The diagnosis of periodontal diseases is based on the assessment of periodontal inflammation and loss of attachment. The diagnostic parameters are described as well as their prognostic value.