Prof. Dr. Nurcan Buduneli

Diagnosis is the first step of treatment! Treatment attempts for diseases without definitive diagnosis can only be empirical treatment, that is trial, and can only be symptomatic. Classification of diseases is required for accurate and reliable diagnosis as well as tackling with various challenges faced in clinic based on a certain systematic and thought system. Moreover, it is essential to speak a common language for right communication between physicians from the same or different disciplines. Clinical condition of periodontal tissues can be described as clinically healthy periodontal tissues, gingivitis or periodontitis. Probing depth measured with a manual periodontal probe at periodontology clinics is one of the most basic measurements used to evaluate the health condition of periodontal tissues and plan treatment. Degree of clinical attachment, bleeding in probing and plaque indices are also taken into consideration for periodontal diagnosis and classification. Reclassification of periodontal diseases in 2017 contains significant changes compared to the previous one and diabetes diagnosis and consumption of tobacco products influence the classification while the new classification also covers periodontal treatment planning.