
Periodontal Periodontology or periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that studies supporting structures of teeth, as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are known as the periodontium, which includes the gingiva, alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament. A person who practices this specialty is known as a periodontist.Periodontology
What is periodontal screening and Recording (PSR)?
A detailed periodontal examination procedure described as Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) was previously performed only by periodontists, but today most dentists have included the process as part of a regular dental examination. The findings will help the dentist to make a precise diagnosis and develop the adequate treatment plan.
What are the benefits of periodontal screening?
The perceived benefits of PSR as a simple, sensitive and efficient tool to screen patients for periodontal diseases have contributed to its incorporation into the dental practice environment. The recent introduction of PSR to the public probably will motivate patients to seek more information about …
What are the findings of a periodontal examination?
The findings will help the dentist to make a precise diagnosis and develop the adequate treatment plan. A periodontal examination should include the following steps and checks: The first step of periodontal examination is taking a complete medical and dental history.
How often should you get a periodontal screening?
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) recommends every dental patient should receive a comprehensive periodontology evaluation annually. 11 The Periodontal Screening and Recording ® (PSR) system is one example of a diagnostic aid used to assess the periodontal health of patients.

What is a periodontal screening?
Periodontal screenings are dental tests administered for the early detection of periodontal disease and gingivitis. The majority of American adults live with some degree of gum disease.
What is recorded on a periodontal chart?
Periodontal charting is simple and relatively painless, during the procedure you will hear your dentist or hygienist call out a series of numbers for each tooth. This is measuring, in millimeters, the cuff of your gum line and the point at which the gum actually attaches to your tooth.
What should a periodontal examination include?
A periodontal examination should include a periodontal probing, a radiographic analysis, a gingival index, mobility charting, and an evaluation of the amount of attached gingiva. These clinical exercises require simple instrumentation and a minimal amount of clinical calibration on the part of the examiner.
How do you record periodontal probing?
1:153:54Periodontal Probing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you need to Bob one to two millimeters. Across. In order to get accurate depths. This is where aMoreSo you need to Bob one to two millimeters. Across. In order to get accurate depths. This is where a lot of clinicians have a hard time as you enter the interproximal. Space.
How do you record the periodontal chart?
0:479:44Charting Sequence and Periodontal Charting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first step is to record missing teeth look in the mouth view the radiographs. And record anyMoreThe first step is to record missing teeth look in the mouth view the radiographs. And record any missing teeth. Once we have charted missing teeth we inspect each individual tooth.
Why is periodontal probing important?
Periodontal probing lets us know how to best treat your gums and teeth. If you've reached 4mm pockets, we know we need to act fast to prevent the condition from progressing and the infection from spreading.
How is a periodontal exam done?
To determine the overall health of your gums and teeth, we will take digital X-rays and measure the depth of your gum pockets using a thin probe. Healthy pockets should be under 4mm in depth. Pockets that are between 4-6mm in depth indicate periodontitis, which is the mildest form of gum disease.
What type of procedures does a periodontist perform?
Common Periodontic Procedures and TreatmentsNon-surgical Periodontal Treatment. Not all periodontal treatment involves a surgery of some sort. ... Scaling and Root Planing. ... Periodontics' Tray Delivery Systems. ... Dental Implants. ... Regeneration. ... Soft Tissue Grafting. ... Gingivectomy.
What are some of the early warning signs of periodontal disease?
Signs and symptoms of periodontitis can include:Swollen or puffy gums.Bright red, dusky red or purplish gums.Gums that feel tender when touched.Gums that bleed easily.Pink-tinged toothbrush after brushing.Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth.Bad breath.Pus between your teeth and gums.More items...•
How do you explain periodontal probing to patients?
0:000:22Explaining Probe Depths to Patients - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA four would indicate that you've got a little bit of inflammation. And a five and a buck wouldMoreA four would indicate that you've got a little bit of inflammation. And a five and a buck would indicate a disease process and we'll want to take a closer look.
What are the 6 probing areas per tooth?
The selected six sites were the mesio–buccal (MB) site, mid-buccal (B) site, disto–buccal (DB) site, mesio–lingual/palatal (ML) site, mid-lingual/palatal (L) and disto–lingual/palatal (DL) site.
How often should periodontal probing be done?
According to Frank DeLuca, DMD, JD, the standard of care in dentistry for periodontal charting is a full-mouth, six-point probing with all numbers recorded at a minimum of once per year for all adult patients.
What measurements are taken in a Periodontal Chart?
Healthy gum tissue typically has pockets measuring 1-3 millimeters and fits snugly around your tooth. Measurements of 4 millimeters and deeper are concerning since plaque and bacteria could be causing the tissue to inflame and pull away from the tooth. Areas with higher readings are often more sensitive to probing.
What is a six point periodontal charting?
Patients with BPE codes of 3, 4 and * require detailed periodontal charting. Six-point pocket charts should record probing depth and bleeding on probing (as well as recession, mobility and furcation involvement), at a minimum of all sites ≥4mm and bleeding on probing.
What is the final stage of gum disease?
As the final stage of gum disease, this occurs with deep infection and the advanced development of disease-causing bacteria in the mouth . There is a high risk of bone loss involved, and your gums may be regularly oozing pus. Your teeth are likely loose, gums red and swollen, and the act of chewing may be painful.
Is periodontal disease reversible?
This is the only stage of periodontal disease that is reversible. At this stage, the bone is not involved and there are only a limited number of signs and symptoms present (many of which are painless).
Can you reverse stage 2 gum disease?
As with the second stage of gum disease, this stage cannot be reversed. The symptoms are the same as in stage 2. When your dentist probes to see the extent of periodontal disease/damage, probing depths are higher at this stage than in stage 2.
What is the purpose of a periodontist exam?
Once the periodontal examination is finished, the dentist or the periodontist will evaluate the gathered information about the condition of bone and gum tissues in combination with all the risk factors involved. These will allow the dentist to diagnose the stage of gum disease (gingivitis or early, moderate or advanced periodontitis), in order to develop and recommend a plan for the gum disease treatment.
Why do you need a periodontal exam?
Periodontal exams for early diagnosis of gum disease can play a critical role in preventing or minimizing the damage to bone and connective tissues around teeth and maintaining your teeth for all your life.
What is the process of probing teeth?
The process, called periodontal probing, is the main tool used by dentists and periodontists for evaluating the severity of periodontal disease cases.
What is the first step in periodontal examination?
The first step of periodontal examination is taking a complete medical and dental history. Many systemic conditions and medications can cause or contribute to gum disease problems. Habits such as smoking and grinding or clenching teeth are also factors increasing the consequences of gum disease. If any of these exists, they should be considered when deciding a treatment plan. Previous incidents of gum disease should also be taken into account.
What are the early signs of periodontal disease?
Gum disease at its early stages (gingivitis) gives some warning signs such as red or swollen gums, bleeding and gum recession. But in many cases the symptoms of gum disease are not that intense to alert the patient or they are ignored. The only safe way for the early diagnosis of ...
What does it mean when your gums are red?
Inspection of the gums colour, size, shape, and texture. Reddish, puffy, enlarged or swollen gums are indications of gum disease. Tooth Mobility. The dentist will check for loose teeth, by pushing each tooth and observing any movement.
What is the dentist's job during a dental check up?
During a dental check-up the dentist can identify the warning signs of gum disease that may yet be undetectable by the patient. If any symptoms of gingivitis are detected, the dentist will recommend a professional dental cleaning and will give oral hygiene instructions for better control of dental plaque.
