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Periodontal Screening and Recording: Its Use When Detecting Periodontal Disease

Course Number: 617

Interpretation of Codes

Code 0

The colored area of the probe remains completely visible in the deepest crevice of the sextant; this indicates that probing depths in the sextant range between 1 mm to 3 mm. There is no calculus or defective margins detected. The gingival tissues are healthy with no bleeding after gentle probing.

Illustration showing a Code 0 during periodontal probing

Code 0

Code 1:

The colored area of the probe remains completely visible in the deepest probing depth in the sextant; this indicates that probing depths range between 1 mm to 3 mm. There is no calculus or defective margins detected. However, there is bleeding after probing.

Illustration showing a Code 1 during periodontal probing

Code 1

Code 2:

The colored area of the probe remains completely visible in the deepest probing depth in the sextant; this indicates probing depths range between 1 mm to 3 mm. Supragingival or subgingival calculus and/or defective margins are detected.

Illustration showing a Code 2 during periodontal probing

Code 2

Code 3:

The colored area of the probe remains partly visible in the deepest probing depth in the sextant; this indicates that probing depths may range between 4 mm to 5 mm.

Illustration showing a Code 3 during periodontal probing

Code 3

Code 4:

The colored area of the probe completely disappears indicating a probing depth of greater than 5.5 mm.

Illustration showing a Code 4 during periodontal probing

Code 4

The Symbol “*”:

The symbol “*” should be added to a sextant score whenever the following is found: furcation involvement, mobility, mucogingival problems, or recession extending to the colored area of the probe (indicating 3.5 mm or greater).