Periodontal Screening and Recording: Its Use When Detecting Periodontal Disease
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.

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.

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.

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.

Code 4:
The colored area of the probe completely disappears indicating a probing depth of greater than 5.5 mm.

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).