The diagnosis, progression, prognostic indication and classification of periodontal disease: a review (Part 3).

Periodontal disease may be largely divided into gingivitis and periodontitis depending on the extent of tissue involved. It is not inevitable that all sites or patients exhibiting gingivitis will progress to periodontitis although it is rare for the latter to arise de novo. Although periodontal diseases frequently occur in the systemically healthy individual, systemic disease often modifies the response of these tissues and may offer an early chance to diagnose any underlying general health problems. A detailed full mouth periodontal examination must constitute part of the dental examination and can prove a valuable health screening measure as part of general health care.