Interpretation of BPE scores
Interpretation of BPE scores
The BPE score for each sextant gives an indication of the care required in that sextant. Where a patient has recession and areas of periodontal attachment loss, more detailed examination is required (see Full periodontal examination) and treatment should not be based on a BPE score.
Advice on the interpretation of BPE scores, based on guidance from the British Society of Periodontology, is given in table: Interpretation of BPE scores.26 In addition, individual factors unique to each patient may influence the need for further assessment and the treatment required.
|
BPE Score |
Guidance on further assessment and treatment |
|
0 |
Periodontal treatment is not required. |
|
1 |
Oral hygiene instruction and other risk factor control advice. |
|
2 |
As for code 1 plus removal of plaque retentive factors, including all supra- and subgingival calculus. |
|
3 |
As for code 2 plus detailed periodontal charting of the affected sextant(s) at post-treatment re-evaluation. |
|
4 |
As for code 3 but with full mouth detailed periodontal charting pre- and post-therapy. Post-therapy, assess the need for more complex treatment and consider whether referral to a specialist is required. |
|
* |
Indicates furcation exposure and need for further examination of that sextant. Treatment need will depend on the additional findings for that sextant and for the rest of the dentition. Assess the need for more complex treatment and consider referral to a specialist. |
Based on the 2019 BSP Basic Periodontal Examination guidelines.26
N.B. Radiographs should be available for all Code 3 and Code 4 sextants. The type of radiograph used is a matter of clinical judgement but crestal bone levels should be visible. Periapical views or a panoramic radiograph for Code 4 sextants will allow assessment of bone loss as a percentage of root length and visualisation of the periapical tissues.