Periodontal inflamed surface area: quantifying inflammatory burden

Background: Currently, a large variety of classifications is used for periodontitis as a risk factor for other diseases. None of these classifications quantifies the amount of inflamed periodontal tissue, while this information is needed to assess the inflammatory burden posed by periodontitis. Aim: To develop a classification of periodontitis that quantifies the amount of inflamed periodontal tissue, which can be easily and broadly applied. Material and Methods: A literature search was conducted to look for a classification of periodontitis that quantified the amount of inflamed periodontal tissue. A classification that quantified the root surface area affected by attachment loss was found. This classification did not quantify the surface area of inflamed periodontal tissue, however. Therefore, an Excel spreadsheet was developed in which the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) is calculated using clinical Attachment Level (CAL), recessions and bleeding on probing (BOP). Results: The PISA reflects the surface area of bleeding pocket epithelium in square millimetres. The surface area of bleeding pocket epithelium quantifies the amount of inflamed periodontal tissue. A freely downloadable spreadsheet is available to calculate the PISA. Conclusion: PISA quantifies the inflammatory burden posed by periodontitis and can be easily and broadly applied.