Russell’s periodontal index: to score or not to score

It is a composite index, which grades all pockets. Some consider it no longer valid. It was the first index for periodontal disease with a weighted categorial system. The diagnostic criteria for the periodontal index developed by Russell are based on gingival inflammation & loss of periodontal attachment. This index has been used mainly for epidemiological & purposes, & a variety of different populations in developing countries have been examined using this index. It measures both reversible & irreversible aspects of periodontal disease. It is an epidemiologic index with a true biological quotient. This paper puts forth the version of this index. Russells index is a numerical value describing the population on a level with a definite upper & lower level.