Periodontal Examination Techniques
- A periodontal examination is a clinical examination of the periodontium (gums).
- Different techniques used worldwide include the CPITN, PSR, BPE, and PEPE.
- The CPITN was created by the World Health Organization in 1978 to provide a global standard.
- The PSR is increasingly used in the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
- The British Society of Periodontology recommends the Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE).
- The mouth is divided into sextants for the BPE, excluding wisdom teeth.
- A sextant must have at least 2 teeth present to be scored.
- The probe measures the depth of gingival crevices/periodontal pockets.
- The BPE score determines the treatment needed based on the worst finding in a sextant.
CPITN Index
- The CPITN index is a periodontal screening tool derived from the WHO 621 probe.
- It categorizes periodontal conditions based on pocket depth and the presence of calculus.
- The index includes categories for no disease, bleeding on probing, periodontal pocketing, shallow pockets, and deep pockets.
PSR Index
- The PSR system is based on the CPITN index and was introduced to the United States in 1992.
- It is a screening tool for periodontal conditions.
- The index includes categories for no disease, bleeding on probing, periodontal pocketing, shallow pockets, and deep pockets.
- An additional star is added to indicate other issues that must be considered, such as furcation or gingival recession.
- The PSR system is widely used in the United States.
Spanish Periodontal Examination
- The Spanish Periodontal Examination assesses specific teeth for probing depth, bleeding on probing, and loss of attachment.
- Teeth 16, 11, 25, 32, 36, and 45 are evaluated.
- If these teeth are absent, adjacent teeth or the closest clinically affected teeth are assessed.
- The examination considers horizontal bone loss, vertical defects, and bitewing images.
- It provides a comprehensive assessment of periodontal health in these specific teeth.
General Information
- Periodontal examinations are routinely carried out in dentistry and allied specialties.
- The PSR index is widely used in the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
- The Spanish Periodontal Examination provides a comprehensive assessment of periodontal health in specific teeth.
A periodontal examination is a clinical examination of the periodontium (gums). It is routinely carried out in dentistry and allied specialties. Many different techniques are used around the world.
A report by World Health Organization in 1978 led to the creation of the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) and a periodontal probe termed WHO 621 ("Trintity"). It has a ball end of diameter 0.5 mm and a first colored band at 3.5 - 5.5 mm. Another colored band at 8.5 - 11.5 mm may be present. The CPITN was intended to provide a global standard for clinical practise and research, but several different periodontal screening tools were adapted from it. The Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) is increasingly used in the United States, Canada and Brazil. The Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) is extensively used in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The Primary Essential Periodontal Examination (PEPE) is used in Australia. All these methods use the WHO 621 probe.
