Periodontal Instrument Grasp & Exam
AAP Classification System
American Academy of Periodontology's patient categorization
Proximal Surfaces
Assessed from facial and lingual
Anatomic Features
Bifurcations, trifurcations
Col
Deepest interproximal area
Periodontal Probe Usage
Detecting pocket depth in periodontal tissues
Function of Fingers
Each finger has a specific role in grasp
Intraoral Fulcrum
Established finger rest away from area being probed
Modified Pen Grasp
Fingers used: thumb, index, and middle finger
Interdental Gingiva
Gingiva between adjacent teeth, forming papilla
Attached Gingiva
Gingiva tightly connected to cementum and alveolar bone
Furcation Examination
Includes early furcation, probe adaptation
Periodontium Structures
Includes gingiva, cementum, alveolar bone
Early Periodontal Disease
Initial bone destruction pathway from gingivitis to periodontitis
Probe Insertion Step 1
Initial insertion technique for probing
Probe in a Healthy Sulcus
Inserted into healthy gingival sulcus
Treatment Instruments
Instruments for performing periodontal treatments
Angular/Vertical Bone Loss
Localized angular bone loss, irregular bone shape
Probe Tip Positioning
Maintaining contact with tooth surface during probing
Explorers
Metal tip, tapered, for tactile sensitivity
Interproximal Technique
Method for probing between adjacent teeth
Periodontal Probing Technique
Method to measure sulcus depth and assess oral health
Record Deepest Measurement
Noting the most profound pocket depth reading
Handle Position: Maxillary
Palm UP, handle against hand in green area
Handle Position: Mandibular
Palm slightly down, handle against hand in green area
Clinical Attachment Level
Position of periodontal attached tissues at sulcus base
Marquis Color-Coded Probe
Probe marked at specific depths for easy reading
Calibrated Periodontal Probes
Probes with markings for precise depth measurement
Disease
Probing depth >3mm indicates disease
Radiographic Examination
Provides essential information to supplement clinical findings
Periodontal Evaluation Rationale
Purpose and justification for assessing periodontal health
Calculus
Radiographic finding, needs thorough examination
Reading the Probe
Recorded as whole numbers, always round up
Horizontal Bone Loss
Reduction in height of irregular crestal bone
Probe Insertion Step 2
Sequential insertion method for complete probing
Dental Hygiene Process of Care
Sequential steps in dental hygiene treatment
Gingival Sulcus
Space between free gingiva and tooth surface
Probe Walking Stroke
Technique of moving probe tip along sulcus base
Probing Sensitivity
Technique requiring light touch and correct angulation
Subgingival Procedures
Tip in contact with tooth, movement to base of pocket
Assessment Instruments
Tools to evaluate periodontal tissue health
Mobility Check
Use two instruments, record degree of movement
Supragingival Calculus
Visible as chalky white or brownish-yellow
