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A perspective on periodontal disease activity measurements
1Department of Oral Biology, State University of New York, Buffalo.
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Adult periodontitis may have active and inactive phases. However, current methods for assessing disease activity using serial radiographs and probing depths must be used cautiously due to limitations in sensitivity and specificity.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Dental Radiology
Background:
- Adult periodontitis is characterized by alveolar bone loss.
- Serial radiographic and probing assessments suggest disease activity fluctuates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the interpretation of serial examinations for determining periodontitis disease activity.
- To highlight the limitations of current methods in providing instantaneous disease activity measures.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing serial standardized periapical radiographs for alveolar bone height measurements.
- Employing digital subtraction radiography.
- Assessing changes in clinical probing attachment level.
Main Results:
- Serial examinations suggest adult periodontitis exhibits periods of exacerbation and remission.
- Current methods integrate disease activity over time, not providing instantaneous measures.
Conclusions:
- Interpretation of serial examinations for disease activity requires caution due to varying sensitivity and specificity.
- An ideal test for periodontitis activity should provide an instantaneous measure, not integrate activity over time.
