Get Submitpatientforms Periodontal Questionnaire 2011-2025

A comprehensive periodontal examination (ADA CDT D0180) includes "the evaluation of periodontal conditions, probing and charting, evaluation and recording of the patient's dental and medical history and general health assessment.

The measurements should be 3 millimeters or less on a person with healthy gums. If start to hear your hygienist saying “Four, Five, Six…” that is a red flag. It could mean that the gum tissue is either swollen or it could mean there is bone loss around the tooth causing a deeper pocket.

Understanding Periodontal Chart Measurements 0-3 mm no bleeding: Perfect oral health. 1-3 mm with bleeding: Early signs of gingivitis. Work on a better home oral hygiene plan with your dentist and schedule recurring dental visits. 3-5 mm no bleeding: Early signs of gum disease.

During the comprehensive periodontal exam, the dentist will evaluate the color, texture, and contour of the gums. Healthy gums are typically pink, firm, and tightly attached to the teeth. Signs of gingival disease may include redness, swelling, bleeding, and tenderness.

There are many different types of periodontal probes, and each has its own manner of indicating measurements on the tip of the instrument. For example, the Michigan O probe has markings at 3 mm, 6 mm and 8 mm and the Williams probe has circumferential lines at 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, and 10 mm.

The probe allows us to measure in millimeters from the top of the pocket to the bottom of the pocket. The bottom of the pocket is where the tissue is connected through ligaments to the root. This measurement is taken very gently and causes no damage to the gum tissue.

Measure how deep the pockets are between your gums and teeth by placing a tiny ruler called a dental probe between your teeth and gumline. Pockets are measured at several places in your upper and lower gums. In a healthy mouth, the pocket depth is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters (mm).