Classification and prognosis evaluation of individual teeth--a comprehensive approach.

Following a complete evaluation of the patient, treatment planning requires the analysis of individual teeth, accurate diagnosis, and prognosis evaluation. Currently, there is no accepted comprehensive, standardized, and meaningful classification system for the evaluation of individual teeth that offers a common language for dental professionals. A search was conducted reviewing existing literature relating to classification and prognostication of individual teeth. The dimensions determined to be of importance to gain an overall perspective of the individual relative tooth prognosis were the periodontal, restorative, endodontic, and occlusal plane perspectives. The authors present a comprehensive classification system by conjugating the literature and currently accepted concepts in dentistry. This easy-to-use system assesses the condition of individual teeth and enables a relative prognostic value to be attached to those teeth based on tooth condition and patient-level factors.