Iran Dental Specialty Board - Periodontics key terms

The combined supracrestal attachment of junctional epithelium and connective tissue, typically about 2 mm, that must remain intact around teeth or implants to avoid chronic inflammation and bone loss.

The 2017 World Workshop term replacing biologic width, describing the soft tissue seal above alveolar bone consisting of junctional epithelium and supracrestal connective tissue fibers.

A nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium that attaches to the tooth surface via hemidesmosomes and forms the epithelial seal at the base of the gingival sulcus.

The insertion of gingival collagen fibers into root cementum immediately coronal to alveolar bone crest, providing structural resistance to probing and microbial invasion.

The shallow space between the free gingival margin and the tooth surface, bounded by sulcular epithelium and normally 0.5–3 mm deep in health.

The distance from the gingival margin to the base of the probeable pocket, recorded in millimeters with a periodontal probe under controlled force.

The distance from a fixed reference point, usually the cementoenamel junction, to the base of the probeable pocket; the primary measure of historical periodontal support loss.

Apical displacement of the gingival margin relative to the cementoenamel junction, exposing root surface and potentially causing sensitivity, caries, or esthetic concern.

A dichotomous clinical sign of active gingival inflammation elicited by gentle probing of the sulcus; its absence has high negative predictive value for stability.

The treatment endpoint in which residual probing depths are 4 mm or less and bleeding on probing is absent, indicating low risk of further attachment loss.

Mechanical disruption and removal of subgingival biofilm and calculus using hand, sonic, or ultrasonic instruments, with or without adjuncts, to arrest periodontal inflammation.

A meticulous form of subgingival instrumentation that removes deposits from root surfaces and smooths them to promote healing and reattachment.

Disruption and removal of bacterial biofilm and calculus from tooth and root surfaces without deliberate cementum removal, aimed at restoring biologic compatibility.

A microbial community shift from a health-associated gram-positive flora to a gram-negative, anaerobic, proteolytic flora that drives destructive host inflammatory responses.

A low-abundance microorganism, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, that can orchestrate a shift of the whole microbial community toward dysbiosis and disease.

A structured, surface-attached microbial community embedded in an extracellular polymeric matrix that confers resistance to host defenses and antimicrobial agents.

A traditional cluster of three periodontal pathogens-Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola-associated with severe chronic periodontitis in early microbial studies.

Therapeutic alteration of host inflammatory or immune responses, such as subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline, to reduce tissue destruction beyond what antimicrobial effects alone achieve.

A family of zinc-dependent enzymes, including collagenases, that degrade extracellular matrix during periodontal inflammation and are a target of host-modulating therapy.

Treatment intended to restore lost periodontal structures-alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament-rather than merely repair with a long junctional epithelium.

A surgical technique using a barrier membrane to exclude gingival epithelium and connective tissue from the wound, allowing slower periodontal ligament and bone cells to repopulate the defect.

A biologic agent derived from developing porcine tooth germs, applied to root surfaces to promote periodontal regeneration by mimicking cementogenesis and enhancing attachment.

A vertical periodontal bone defect in which the base of the pocket lies apical to the adjacent alveolar crest, often amenable to regenerative procedures.

Loss of periodontal attachment and bone in the bifurcation or trifurcation of a multirooted tooth, classified by Glickman or Hamp to guide prognosis and treatment.

The visible boundary between attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa, used as a landmark for assessing keratinized tissue width and planning mucogingival surgery.

The distance from the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction, representing the band of attached and free gingiva with a keratinized epithelial surface.

Direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant without intervening soft tissue, the basis of implant stability and success.

Reversible inflammation confined to the soft tissues around an implant, characterized by bleeding on probing and erythema without progressive bone loss.

A plaque-associated pathologic condition around implants characterized by inflammation of peri-implant mucosa and progressive loss of supporting bone beyond initial remodeling.

The discipline examining bidirectional relationships between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The degree to which blood glucose is maintained within target ranges, commonly measured by HbA1c; poor control worsens periodontal disease and periodontitis impairs control.

The total systemic exposure to inflammatory mediators released from periodontal tissues, proposed to link periodontitis with insulin resistance and vascular disease.

Elimination of tobacco use, a critical behavioral intervention because smoking impairs gingival blood flow, masking inflammation and worsening periodontal treatment outcomes.

A characteristic, exposure, or behavior that increases the probability of developing or worsening periodontal disease, such as diabetes, smoking, or poor oral hygiene.

Coordinated sequencing of periodontal, restorative, orthodontic, endodontic, and implant care to optimize function, esthetics, and long-term stability for the patient.

The combined clinical and radiographic features of the periodontium, including gingival thickness, keratinized tissue width, and bone morphotype, that influence treatment decisions.

An experimental study in which participants are randomly allocated to interventions, minimizing bias and providing the strongest evidence for causal treatment effects.

A structured synthesis of all relevant studies addressing a focused question, using explicit search, selection, and appraisal methods, often with meta-analysis.

A hierarchical ranking of study designs by susceptibility to bias, from systematic reviews of randomized trials at the top to expert opinion at the bottom.

The ethical and legal process of disclosing diagnosis, treatment options, risks, benefits, and alternatives so a competent patient can voluntarily authorize care.