What criterion is used to stage periodontal disease?

The correct criterion used to stage periodontal disease is the degree of attachment loss of periodontal structures. This measurement is critical because it directly relates to the health of the supporting tissues surrounding the teeth, which include the gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.

Attachment loss is quantified by measuring the distance from the gingival margin to the depth of the periodontal pocket. This helps to assess the severity of the disease, as well as to determine the progression of periodontal disease over time. A greater degree of attachment loss indicates a more severe form of periodontal disease. It is essential for diagnosing the extent of the disease and planning appropriate treatment strategies for the affected patient.

While factors like the presence of calculus, the number of teeth affected, and the severity of gingival inflammation are important in periodontal evaluations, they do not provide a comprehensive view of the disease's impact on periodontal support structures. Calculus may contribute to periodontal disease but does not directly influence attachment levels. The number of teeth affected may give an idea of the spread of the disease but does not indicate how much supportive tissue has been lost. Gingival inflammation is a sign of periodontal disease, but it does not encapsulate the extent of attachment loss, which is a more definitive measure of periodontal health.