Periodontal Examination Techniques

What does a negative number indicate when determining the level of free gingival margin in relation to the CEJ?

Which statement correctly describes Clinical Attachment Level (CAL)?

What distinguishes gingivitis from periodontitis in clinical evaluations?

In which situation would you observe a positive number when measuring the free gingival margin?

What is necessary for calculating Clinical Attachment Level (CAL)?

What does probing depth measure?

Why is the diameter of the periodontal probe important?

Which of the following is NOT a component when undertaking the six point pocket chart?

What is the relevance of Clinical Attachment Level in periodontal assessment?

What is a limitation of periodontal probing?

How is the free gingival margin measured?

Which area is not part of the six point pocket chart?

Which of the following statements is true regarding the six point pocket chart?

Periodontal Probing

Probing depth is the distance from the gingival margin to the bottom of the pocket.
The probing depth is measured with a periodontal probe having a standard tip diameter (0.4mm to 0.5mm).
Probe diameter affects the accuracy of the measurement.
Limitations of probing: includes difficulties with adaptation, angulation, and walking.

Six Point Pocket Chart

The six point pocket chart is used for pre-treatment periodontal assessments.
The six points correspond to specific locations around the tooth:
- Distobuccal line angle to midline of distal surface
- Buccal surface
- Mesiobuccal line angle to mesial surface
- Distolingual line angle to distal surface
- Lingual surface
- Mesiolingual angle to midline of mesial surface
Issue with Six Point Terminology: There is a potential for double-measuring the same site.

Free Gingival Margin

The free gingival margin is the level of the gingiva relative to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ).
Natural position: The gingival margin slightly covers the CEJ.
Apical to CEJ: Charted as a positive (+) number, indicating recession.
Coronal to CEJ: Charted as a negative (-) number, indicating the gingival margin covering the CEJ.

Clinical Attachment Levels (CAL)

CAL measures the true attachment of the tooth to the surrounding tissue.
CAL provides an indication of the periodontal support around a tooth.
CAL is measured from the CEJ, a fixed reference point.
CAL helps differentiate between gingivitis (inflammation without attachment loss) and periodontitis (inflammation with attachment loss).

Calculating CAL

Requires probing depth and the level of the gingival margin.
Formula for CAL: CAL = Probing Depth + (Level of Free Gingival Margin relative to CEJ).

This quiz covers key concepts in periodontal probing, including the measurement of probing depth, limitations associated with probing techniques, and the six-point pocket chart used for periodontal assessments. Understanding the free gingival margin is also discussed, highlighting its relevance in periodontal evaluations.