ACTA SCIENTIFIC Dental Sciences Volume 8 Issue 8 August 2024 Unveiling the 2017 Periodontitis Classification: A Deep Dive into Risk and Prognostic Factors Young Joon Cho 1 , Hyun Woo Cho 2 , Sung Min Lee 3 , Hyun Nyun Woo 4 and Philip Kang 4 1 Mac Dental Clinic, Dalgubul-daero, Susung-gu, Daegu, S. Korea 2 Department of Periodontics, School of dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, S. Korea 3 New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 4 Division of Periodontics, Section of Oral, Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Sciences, Columbia University College of Dental medicine, New York *Corresponding Author: Young Joon Cho, Mac Dental Clinic, Dalgubul-daero, Susung-gu, Daegu, S. Korea. Research Article Received: June 24, 2024 Published: July 04, 2024 © All rights are reserved by Young Joon Cho., et al. Abstract Background: The 2017 classification of periodontitis is a system consisting of 2 vectors, stage and grade, determined by risk and prognostic factors. This study aimed to examine the possibilities and limits of the 2017 classification from the perspective of risk and prognostic factors. This study also explains a third implicit vector—prognosis—which is spontaneously generated by combining the 2 vectors. Methods: We selected articles through a search of digital databases. We used key words such as “risk factor/prognostic factor and periodontitis.” We utilized a color scale to understand the degree of risk of each factor for tooth loss and periodontitis. Results: 147 articles were selected. The 2017 classification includes 3 essential patient-related factors and 6 principal tooth-related factors. By analyzing the odds ratio of each parameter using color scale and systematic review, the categories of smoking, diabetes, pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and furcation involvement were classified adequately to predict the risk/prognosis of peri- odontitis. However, evidence was insufficient for other factors. Conclusion: In this analysis of risk and prognostic factors of the 2017 classification, we confirmed that it not only contains most of the essential factors for diagnosis but can also estimate the rate of progression and tooth loss. Keywords: Periodontitis; Prognosis; Periodontal Risk Factors; Risk Factor; Systematic Review Introduction In the 2017 World Workshop, a novel classification of peri- odontitis (the 2017 classification) was developed [1]. The 2017 classification changed the paradigm of diagnosis of periodonti- tis and presented the direction of progress for periodontics. The 2017 classification is a unique system, adopting an unprecedented 2-vector system. The first is stage which reflects the severity and complexity of periodontitis, and the other is grade which describes the progression and risk factors of disease [2]. A risk factor is defined as one that causes disease, such as en- vironmental exposure, behavioral aspect, and genotype [3]. There are two types of risk factors. The first are modifiable risk factors, such as diabetes and smoking. The second type are immutable risk factors, such as the IL-1 genotype and they are also known as determinants, or background factors [3]. Risk factors are usually confirmed through longitudinal research [4]. As the term suggests, risk factors can increase the probability of periodontitis, and the probability could be decreased if they are removed [5]. However, although dentists intervene to remove the risk factors of periodon- titis, the results are not always altered in a favorable way, because there are multiple factors for both onset and cure for disease. Un- like risk factors, risk indicators and risk predictors (risk markers) are not based on clear evidence and longitudinal studies. Rather, risk indicators are probable factors which are determined by cross- sectional research, and risk predictors are results that come from Citation: Young Joon Cho., et al. “Unveiling the 2017 Periodontitis Classification: A Deep Dive into Risk and Prognostic Factors". Acta Scientific Dental Sciences 8.8 (2024): 03-14.