A screening method for periodontal disease

Address for correspondence: S. HOURDIN, Faculté de chirurgie dentaire Département de Parodontologie, Département d’Orthodontie, Université de Rennes, 2, av. du Pr Léon Bernard (Bât 15) 35043 Rennes cedex. solennhourdin.rennes@orange.fr

Abstract

The objective of this article is to offer a simplified and reasonable approach for periodontal disease screening that should be a mandatory part of each and every oral examination. The main purpose of this examination is to answer the question of whether or not there are any infection sites that require periodontal management. This assessment has three parts: the initial patient interview (medical history), the clinical oral examination and the radiological examination. Using a periodontal probe, the dentist should place a high priority on performing PD screening and it should be done systematically and routinely during every consultation. Orthodontists and dentists are both licensed to perform this examination. After this examination, the practitioner can make a diagnosis, initiate periodontal management of the patient or refer the patient to an appropriate specialist.

PD screening should be repeated before orthodontic treatment or before any functional rehabilitation in order to maintain periodontal stability.