Nuova Metodica di Valutazione del Rischio in Parodontologia: razionale e applicazione clinica.

This paper describes the rationale and the operative algorithm of a new method for periodontal risk assessment. This method assembles the risks associated to 5 anamnestic conditions (smoke, diabetes), clinical parameters (number of sites with probing depth higher or equal to 5 mm, Bleeding on Probing Score) and derived parameters (bone loss/age ratio); the method generates an individual risk score, representing the incidence/progress ion probability of periodontal disease. The clinical impact of this method is illustrated by a case report. Risk level was assessed at the first periodontal screening and after causal periodontal therapy. This risk assessment method is rapid, easy to handle and universally fit for any patient. Both the Dentist and the Dental Hygienist ore provided a useful tool that helps to determine whether and to what extent preventive and therapeutic measures decrease the risk of periodontitis-related tooth loss.