Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate XII · Patient Assessment and Charting · 03

Periodontal charting

Probing depth runs from the gingival margin to the pocket base, while clinical attachment level runs from the CEJ to the base and shows how much support is lost. Add recession to the probing depth when the margin sits apical to the CEJ, and subtract when it sits coronal. Charts also record mobility (Miller) and furcation involvement (Glickman or Hamp).

High-yield facts · 8

  1. Probing depth: gingival margin to the base of the pocket. Clinical attachment level: CEJ to the base of the pocket.T3
  2. CAL = PD + recession when the margin is apical to the CEJ; CAL = PD when the margin is at the CEJ; CAL = PD minus the distance from the CEJ to the margin when the margin is coronal to the CEJ.T3
  3. Example: PD 5 mm with 2 mm recession = CAL 7 mm. PD 6 mm with the margin 2 mm above the CEJ = CAL 4 mm.T3
  4. Width of attached gingiva = width of keratinized gingiva (margin to MGJ) minus probing depth.T3
  5. A pseudopocket (gingival pocket) deepens because of swelling, with no attachment loss.T3
  6. Miller mobility: class I slightly more than normal; class II up to 1 mm in any direction; class III over 1 mm and/or vertical (depressible).T3
  7. Glickman furcation grade I: incipient; II: probe enters but not through; III: through-and-through, covered by soft tissue; IV: through-and-through and visible.T3
  8. Hamp furcation classes: I under 3 mm horizontal; II over 3 mm but not through; III through-and-through.T3

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.