Periodontal examination

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.