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.