Introduction to Periodontal Exam (Wilkins Chapter 20)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Periodontal Exam lecture notes (Wilkins Chapter 20).

Comprehensive periodontal examination

A thorough assessment of periodontal health and disease, including probing depths, CAL, furcation, mobility, plaque, bleeding on probing, and radiographic bone levels.

Periodontal chart

A formal record of periodontal findings for a patient (probing depths, CAL, mobility, furcation, plaque, bleeding, etc.).

Mouth mirror

An instrument used for indirect vision, indirect illumination, transillumination, and retraction to maintain a clear view during the exam.

Air-Water Syringe

A device that directs air and water to rinse, improve visibility, and prepare teeth/gingiva for procedures.

Subgingival explorer (ODU EXD11/12)

A slender curved explorer used below the gumline to detect calculus and surface irregularities.

Explorers (general)

Instruments that provide tactile feedback to detect texture and irregularities on tooth surfaces and guide instrumentation.

Walking stroke

A technique in which only 1–2 mm of the working end contacts the tooth, using short, controlled strokes with a light grasp.

Tactile sensations when probing

Three sensations: a normal tooth surface, elevations/raised irregularities, and depressions in the tooth surface.

Proximal surface probing

Probing of proximal surfaces from facial and lingual aspects; the col is a common infection site and the deepest pocket is often under contact.

Pocket characteristics

Features of a periodontal pocket such as depth, shape, and tissue characteristics observed during probing.

Periodontal Probe

A calibrated instrument used to measure probing depths and assess periodontal health.

Factors affecting probe accuracy

Variables such as stage/extent of disease and placement problems that influence measurement precision.

Four generations of periodontal probes

The design generations of manual periodontal probes reflecting evolving features to improve measurement.

CEJ (Cementoenamel junction)

The junction where enamel meets cementum on a tooth.

Gingival Margin

The edge of the gingiva surrounding the tooth.

Bleeding on Probing

Bleeding elicited when the probe penetrates the sulcus, indicating gingival inflammation.

Plaque

Visible biofilm on teeth contributing to periodontal disease.

Furcation

The area where roots divide on multi-rooted teeth; furcation involvement indicates bone loss in that area.

Naber's Probe

A curved probe used to measure furcation involvement.

UNC-15 probe

A 15-mm calibrated periodontal probe used to measure pocket depths and recession.

Recession

Gingival recession is the apical migration of the gingival margin away from the crown.

Clinical Attachment Level (CAL)

Distance from the CEJ to the base of the periodontal pocket; reflects attachment loss.

Mobility

Movement of a tooth within its socket due to loss of periodontal support.

Fremitus

Vibration or movement of a tooth when the patient bites, indicating mobility or occlusal stress.

Bone loss

Loss of alveolar bone around teeth, detectable radiographically and clinically, associated with periodontitis.

Crest of interdental bone

The top of the interdental bone; normally 1–2 mm apical to the CEJ and should be horizontal.

Horizontal bone loss

Bone loss where the crest remains parallel to the CEJ, typical of a horizontal pattern.

Vertical bone loss

Bone loss that is angular or vertical, creating vertical defects.

Overhang

Excess restorative material extending beyond a tooth margin, often contributing to plaque accumulation and bone loss.

Calculus

Calcified dental plaque adherent to teeth, a major factor in periodontal disease.

Caries (Decay)

Dental decay affecting tooth structure.

Radiographic findings

Findings on radiographs such as calculus, bone loss, caries, and restoration defects relevant to periodontal status.

Maxillary molar furcation assessment locations

Three locations used to assess furcation involvement on maxillary molars.

Probing depth recording

Documented measurements of probing depths at multiple tooth surfaces in the periodontal chart.

Periodontal summary statement

A concise summary document describing the patient’s overall periodontal status.