Russell’s Periodontal Index

- Thrishma
 CONTENT
1) Introduction
2) Method
3) Instruments used
4) Russell’s Rule
5) Scoring
6) Calculation of Index
7) Interpretation
8) Drawbacks
 Introduction
 Developed by Russell A.L in 1956, over a trial period of 10 years.
 It estimates deeper Periodontal Diseases by:
a) Measuring the presence, absence and severity of Gingival Inflammation
b) Pocket formation
c) Masticatory functions
 Useful among large populations
Russell’s Periodontal Index is a
Composite Index because it
records:

 Reversible changes due to

gingivitis.
 Irreversible and destructive
deeper periodontal diseases.
 Method
 All the teeth present are
examined.
 All of the gingival tissue
circumscribing each tooth is
assessed for gingival
inflammation and periodontal
diseases
 Instruments Used
Mouth Mirror Plain Probe
 RUSSELL’S RECORDING
RULE FORMAT

18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

“When in doubt assign

the lesser score”
48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
SCORE CRITERIA ADDITIONAL RADIOGRAPHIC
FEATURES
NEGATIVE : There is neither overt inflammation in the investing Radiographic features essentially normal.
0 tissues nor loss of function due to destruction of supporting tissues.

MILD GINGIVITIS : There is an overt area of inflammation in the

1 free gingivae, which does not circumscribe the tooth.

GINGIVITIS : Inflammation completely circumscribes the tooth

2 but there is no apparent break in the epithelial attachment.

4 Used only when radiographs are available.
GINGIVITIS WITH POCKET FORMATION : The epithelial
6 attachment had been broken and there is a pocket. No interference
with normal masticatory functions. Tooth firm in socket, no drift
ADVANCED DESTRUCTION WITH LOSS OF MASTICATORY
8 FUNCTIONS : The tooth may be loose; may have drifted; may
sound dull and percussion with a metallic instrument; may be
depressible in its socket.
There is early notch like resorption of
the alveolar crest
There is a horizontal bone loss involving
he entire alveolar crest up to half of
length of the root.
Advanced bone loss involving more than
half of the tooth root or a definite
infrabony pocket with widening of
periodontal ligament. There may be root
resorption at apex.
 CALCULATION OF INDEX
• The periodontal index score per individual is obtained by adding all of the
individual scores and dividing by the number of teeth present or examined.

PI score per person =

______________
Sum of Individual scores
Number of teeth present
 Interpretation
CLINICAL CONDITION INDIVIDUAL PI SCORE
Clinically normal supportive tissues 0 – 0.2
Simple gingivitis 0.3 – 0.9
Beginning destructive periodontal disease 1.0 – 1.9
Established destructive periodontal disease 2.0 – 4.9
Terminal disease 5.0 - 8.0
 DRAWBACKS
Since only a mouth mirror and no calibrated
probe is used, there might be an
underestimation of the true level of
periodontal disease.
 conclusion
• This index provide accurate recordings for clinical trials
of preventive and therapeutic procedures in periodontics.
• It provides a meaningful basis for estimate of need for
periodontal therapy in selected population groups.
 Reference
• SOBEN PETER – Essentials of Public Health
Dentistry ( Community Dentistry ) - 6th EDITION