Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation
THE NEXT DDS
A clinician performs a Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation (CPE)
to assess a patient’s oral health by examining six key areas: 1) the teeth, 2)
plaque, 3) the gums, 4) the bite, 5) bone structure, and 6) patient’s risk
factors.
Why is a CPE
Necessary?
Oral health is a good indicator of the health of the rest of the body.
Research has shown a link between periodontal health and other chronic
inflammatory conditions—namely, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory
diseases.
The clinician
will evaluate: - If there are lumps or abnormalities in the mouth (gum, cheek or
tongue color changes).
Possible causes: infection or oral cancer - If there are loose or missing teeth, and the degree of looseness.
Possible
causes: periodontal disease, bite issues, bruxism (tooth-grinding) - The color, texture, size and shape of the gums.
Firm and pink
gums are healthy. Diseased gums: are reddish in color and swollen, or bleed
easily. - Fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures or implants
- The extent of plaque build-up on the teeth
- The space between the teeth and the gums.
Known as the
sulcus, the place where the teeth meet the gums should not be more than 4 mm
deep. If the space is more than 4 mm, it is termed a “pocket” and means that
the gums are diseased and indicates periodontitis. The sulcus or pocket is
measured with a periodontal probe, a thin utensil with a millimeter ruler on
the tip. The tip is inserted into the gum line to measure the amount of space
between the gum line and where the tooth and gum finally meet. - If the gums bleed after probing—an indicator of inflammation and
gum disease.
- If the gums have receded.
Possible causes: inflammation,
badly positioned teeth, or hard brushing. - If the roots are exposed.
Teeth with exposed roots can be sensitive to temperature
changes, have an increased risk of decay, and look long and unattractive. The way the teeth come together in the patient’s bite can affect
the teeth and gums, particularly if they meet with too much force. The
patient may also grind or clench his or her jaw. Besides the examination, you also will take annual x-rays of the
patient’s teeth. A periapical x-ray helps in showing the extent and pattern of
bone loss by showing the entire tooth, from the crown to the end of the root.
The CPE is a critical part of a patient’s oral healthcare—by
identifying risk factors or catching gum disease in its onset, the clinician
can help the patient be better aware of the situation and its ramifications
so that preventive and reparative measures can be taken at home as well as in
the dentist chair. |