Assessment

Periodontal assessment

All dentate patients should be screened for periodontal disease at every routine recall examination. Periodontal assessment comprises four inter-related phases:

• detection of systemic and local risk factors which make an individual more susceptible to disease or which make disease control more complex; 
• discussion with the patient of any symptoms of disease, their dental history, current dental habits and oral hygiene routines;
• examination of tissues for signs of disease; 
• appropriate radiographic assessment.

A structured assessment involves discussion with the patient regarding their history of periodontal symptoms and risk factors along with a clinical examination to determine the current periodontal status.