Position papers are intended to inform dental professionals on clinical and scientific developments in the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of periodontal diseases...

AAP Position Papers

Position papers are intended to inform dental professionals on clinical and scientific developments in the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of periodontal diseases.

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Dental Implants in Periodontal Therapy (2000)
J Periodontol 2000; 71:1934-1942.
This paper concerns the utility of endosseous dental implants in the treatment of full and partial edentulism. Over the past 30 years, research has validated the success of osseointegrated implants as a viable alternative to fixed or removable prosthetic restorations. Periodontists are extensively trained in surgical procedures to treat and maintain patients with edentulous and partially edentulous arches. They also have a primary role in treatment planning and maintenance therapy. Thus, periodontists routinely integrate endosseous implants into periodontal therapy.

Diagnosis of Periodontal Diseases (2003)
J Periodontol 2003; 74:1237-1247.
The purpose of the paper is to provide dental professionals with a general overview of important issues related to the diagnosis of periodontal diseases. It is not intended as a comprehensive review of the subject.

Drug-Associated Gingival Enlargement (2004)
J Periodontol 2004;75:1424-1431.
This informational paper provides an overview of existing evidence regarding the prevalence, risk-factors, pathogenesis, and clinical management of drug-associated gingival enlargement.

Epidemiology of Periodontal Diseases (2005)
This paper presents the current state of knowledge about the epidemiology of periodontal diseases in order to give practitioners an epidemiological perspective on issues of interest to them. It replaces a paper published in 1996.

Guidelines for Periodontal Therapy (2001)
J Periodontal 2001; 72:1624-1628.
The purpose of this paper is to set forth the clinical objectives and scope of periodontal therapy. The goals of periodontal therapy are to preserve the natural dentition, periodontium, and peri-implant tissues; to maintain and improve periodontal and peri-implant health, comfort, esthetics, and function.

Implications of Genetic Technology for the Management of Periodontal Diseases (2005)
J Periodontol 2005;76:850-857.
Recent technological advances have revolutionized the ability to understand and apply genetic principles to the study of human diseases. These developments may soon alter the management of periodontal diseases. The goal of this informational paper, prepared by the Research, Science and Therapy Committee of the American Academy of Periodontology, is to discuss concepts that are currently emerging in medical genetics, and to describe their potential significance in managing periodontal diseases.

Modulation of the Host Response in Periodontal Therapy (2002)
J Periodontol 2002;73:460-470.
This paper provides dental professionals with an overview of current and potential methods to modulate the host response in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Specifically, it discusses components of periodontal disease pathogenesis (i.e., immune and inflammatory responses, excessive production of matrix metalloproteinases and arachidonic acid metabolites, and regulation of bone metabolism) and their modulation.

Oral Features of Mucocutaneous Disorders (2003)
J Periodontol 2003;74:1545-1556.
Part of periodontology involves the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of non-plaque-related diseases of the periodontium. The International Workshop for a Classification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions noted that the periodontist may be called upon to manage non-plaque-related mucocutaneous disorders either alone, or as part of a treatment team consisting of physicians, dentists or other allied health care professionals. This informational paper will review the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of the most common chronic mucocutaneous diseases, including those that may present as desquamative gingivitis or intra-oral vesiculobullous lesions.

Oral Reconstructive and Corrective Considerations in Periodontal Therapy (2005)
J Periodontol 2005;76:1588-1600.
The purpose of this paper is to provide a general overview of oral reconstructive and corrective procedures used in periodontal therapy. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review of this subject.

The Pathogenesis of Periodontal Diseases (1999)
J Periodontol 1999; 70:457-470.
This paper reviews biological processes thought to provide protection against periodontal infections. It further discusses the mechanisms thought to be responsible for both overcoming and subverting such protective mechanisms and those that lead to destruction of periodontal tissues. Since an understanding of pathogenic mechanisms of disease is one foundation upon which new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are based, the practitioner can use this information to help make decisions regarding the appropriate application of such new modalities in patient care settings.

Periodontal Diseases of Children and Adolescents (2003)
J Periodontol 2003; 74:1696-1704.
Epidemiologic studies indicate that gingivitis of varying severity is nearly universal in children and adolescents. Other periodontal infections that can affect young individuals include dental plaque-induced gingival diseases, chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis, periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases, and necrotizing periodontal diseases.

Periodontal Maintenance (2003)
J Periodontol 2003;74:1395-1401.
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the role of periodontal maintenance procedures in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Reliance on this position paper in patient management will not guarantee a successful outcome, as periodontal diseases typically involve complex causes and symptoms. Ultimately, decisions regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disease, as well as subsequent preventive therapy, must be made by the treating practitioner based on specific circumstances presented by the patient.

Periodontal Regeneration (2005)
J Periodontol 2005;76:1601-1622.
Recently, surgical procedures aimed at greater and more predictable regeneration of periodontal tissues and functional attachment close to their original level have been developed, analyzed, and employed in clinical practice. This paper provides a review of the current understanding of the mechanisms, cells, and factors required for regeneration of the periodontium and of procedures used to restore periodontal tissues around natural teeth. Targeted audiences for this paper are periodontists and/or researchers with an interest in improving the predictability of regenerative procedures. This paper replaces the version published in 1993.

The Role of Supra- and Subgingival Irrigation in the Treatment of Periodontal
Diseases (2005)
J Periodontol 2005;76:2015-2027.
This paper is divided into two portions, consisting of supragingival irrigation and subgingival irrigation. In their respective segments, these treatment techniques are assessed as monotherapies and as adjuncts to conventional treatment.

Systemic Antibiotics in Periodontics (2004)
J Periodontol 2004;75:1553-1565.
This position paper addresses the role of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease. The document covers the efficacy and practical aspects of antibiotic periodontal therapy but does not discuss topical antibiotic therapy.

Tissue Banking of Bone Allografts Used in Periodontal Regeneration (2001)
J Periodontol 2001;72:834-838.
The aim of this review paper is to evaluate current knowledge on bone allograft material supplied by different bone banks to the clinician, including knowledge about the safety and effectiveness of such material. Allograft material has been used in periodontal therapy for the last three decades. It is generally used in one of two forms: freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) and demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA). Both FDBA 2-5 and DFDBA 6-12 have been used successfully to regenerate the attachment apparatus during periodontal treatment, when compared to treatment without allograft. (NOTE: Clinicians interested in contacting the nearest AATB-accredited facility may visit the Web site of the the American Association of Tissue Banks or call 800/635-2282 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EST), Monday to Friday.)

Tobacco Use and the Periodontal Patient (1999)
J Periodontol 1999; 70:1419-1427.
This paper reviews the epidemiological and clinical findings that have led to our understanding of the role of tobacco use in relation to periodontal diseases and their treatment. In addition, this paper reviews the possible underlying mechanisms for these effects from tobacco use. The practitioner can use this information in treatment decisions and in giving advice to the patients who use tobacco products.

Treatment of Plaque-Induced Gingivitis, Chronic Periodontitis, and Other Clinical Conditions (2001)
J Periodontol 2001;72:1790-1800.
This paper presents the current state of knowledge about treatment of plaque-induced gingivitis, chronic periodontitis, and some other clinical conditions. Two other papers entitled The Pathogenesis of Periodontal Diseases and Diagnosis of Periodontal Diseases also reflect the Academy’s position on these subjects.

Reproducing the Papers

The Academy will grant AAP members permission to reproduce up to 150 copies of a paper for not-for-profit, educational purposes only. To obtain this permission or information on reproducing position papers for any other use, please contact the Publications Department:

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