[An assessment of the variations in periodontal pathology in adolescents].

Forty-seven adolescents with periodontal abnormalities were examined using clinical, immunologic, and functional tests (altogether 12 signs). Factor analysis helped cut down the number of signs just to 4 major factors. Interpretation of these factors and consideration of the individuals in factor space permitted singling out at least 2 types of periodontitis course, requiring, possibly, different approaches to therapy.