Oral Health Training & Calibration Programme Attachment Loss & Probing

Calibration Challenge Examples -Probing by the first examiner increases likelihood of bleeding found by next examiner -Therefore, the training will focus on the technique rather than actual score

Principles -Sensing force - 20 grams test this by placing the probe tip under the thumb nail and press until blanching occurs -Probing parallel to the long axis of the tooth, do not angulate the probe into the interproximal area More on this as we work through the indicies

Attachment Loss ≥ age 15

Attachment Loss B=Distance in MM from FGM to CEJ Probing Depth (A) =FGM to base of pocket in mm 0 to 12 mm scale B=Distance in MM from FGM to CEJ Attachment loss (AL) is defined as the distance in mm from the base of the pocket/sulcus to the CEJ. A –B = AL Record the worst score for each tooth

Periodontal Probe The Williams Periodontal Probe Bands at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10mm Round down all fractional millimetre measurements to the lowest whole millimetre before calling the number.

Pocket Depth Pocket can develop at any points around the tooth. Probing involves stepping a calibrated periodontal probe around the tooth and recording the deepest point of the six tooth measurements: distofacial, facial, mesiofacial distoligual, lingual, and; Mesiolingual Periodontal probing should be done gently

Pocket Depth Score Index Teeth Depth in mm (0 to 9mm) Measure from crest of gingiva to base of pocket Walk the probe around the tooth 20g force Follow the long axis of the tooth Record the worst depth at each of the six sites

Pocket Depth Score For mesial (M) and distal (D) interproximal sites, place the probe parallel to the long axis of the tooth and facially adjacent to the dental contact area. Angulating the probe into the interproximal area under the dental contact is not permitted. If the adjacent tooth is missing, approach the mesial and distal sites from the buccal aspect, keeping the probe in the direction of the long axis of the tooth and adjacent to the position that would have been the interproximal contact area. If a tooth has rotated, use the original coronal anatomy to determine landmarks. Round down any fractional millimetres. DK When probing depth cannot be determined (e.g., base of pocket/crevice cannot be reached due to calculus).