Table 3 Recommendations for assessment of periodontal status by means of periodontal probing

Patients who do not have periodontitis

WHO CPI

At every check-up visit (at least annually)

The CPI/BPE/PSR is known to result in underestimation of periodontal disease severity in patients with periodontitis. However, it is well suited for identifying individuals who do not have periodontitis. Therefore, on the basis that it is relatively quick and easy to perform, it should be used to screen patients for the absence of periodontitis on a regular basis as part of their routine “check-up” visits.

Patients with periodontitis (newly diagnosed)

UNC PCP-15

Pre-treatment to record baseline periodontal status. Post-treatment (approximately 3 months) to assess response to initial therapy and determine future treatment need

For patients with periodontitis (indicated by code 3 or code 4 of CPI/BPE/PSR), then more detailed periodontal charting is recommended. For a patient with any code 4 score, then full periodontal charting should be performed to obtain a pre-treatment record (6 sites per tooth). A post-treatment charting should be performed after the initial (non-surgical) therapy, typically at 3 months post-initial treatment, to assess the response and determine next steps (e.g. more non-surgical therapy, surgical intervention).

Patients with treated periodontitis, who are now in the maintenance phase of treatment (supportive periodontal care)

UNC PCP-15

Annually (although more frequent probing may be required if concerned about specific sites or teeth, or if there is evidence of ongoing progression)

For patients undergoing periodontal maintenance care, full periodontal charting should be performed (6 sites per tooth) at least annually to assess for evidence of disease progression.