Standardizing clinical evaluations of periodontal condition to guide assessments and diagnoses using the Periodontal Assessment Protocol (GF-PAPro)

Abstract

In today's highly evolved and developed society, where professionals seek greater knowledge and understanding through advanced surgeries and advanced technologies, basic concepts have sometimes become distant, posing challenges to obtaining an accurate periodontal diagnosis. Therefore, the use of a step-by-step protocol for clinical and radiographic periodontal evaluation can facilitate an accurate diagnosis. This editorial presents the Periodontal Assessment Protocol (GF-PAPro), developed based on the most substantial scientific literature, to guide clinicians and specialists in standardized clinical periodontal evaluations. The GF-PAPro is based on 14 parameters to obtain a precise and accurate clinical evaluation and diagnosis: (1) number of remaining teeth, (2) detection of plaque and calculus, (3) gingival evaluation, (4) measurement of probing depth (PD), (5) clinical attachment level, (6) pattern of bone loss, (7) gingival recession, (8) furcation involvement, (9) tooth mobility, (10) radiographs, (11) extent and distribution, (12) occlusal analysis, (13) peri-implant condition, and (14) need for complex rehabilitation. The GF-PAPro can be used daily, facilitating the memorization of each clinical step. Furthermore, it allows the establishment of the periodontal/peri-implant diagnosis, classifying the disease by severity, complexity, extent and distribution (stage and grade), and analyzing all the parameters recommended by the most recent periodontal guidelines (2018), which include clinical and radiographic parameters.

Keywords: Periodontitis, Gingivitis, Classification, Diagnosis, New protocol, Clinical assessment.