Clinical examination

Clinical examination

Clinical examination involves:

• a visual examination of the oral tissues to assess signs of periodontal disease (e.g. gingival inflammation; gingival recession, especially interdentally; crowded, malpositioned or drifted teeth; halitosis) and levels of plaque biofilm and calculus;
• a specific periodontal examination which includes probing of the periodontal tissues to assess the presence of bleeding or suppuration on probing, the depth of any gingival or periodontal pockets which are present.

This basic clinical examination for disease is a regular part of care for all patients during recall examination and maintenance care. Patients who show signs of more advanced disease, or those who have had periodontal disease treated in the past, will require more detailed and specific examination (see Special tests) to either inform the diagnosis or to monitor stability.