Screening and full charting
A screening score flags further assessment; full probing, bleeding, recession and attachment measures support diagnosis and monitoring.
Understand
Screening identifies who needs further examination; full charting measures sites for diagnosis and monitoring. A BPE score is not a periodontal diagnosis.
Assess
Probe systematically and record bleeding, depths, recession, mobility and furcations where indicated. Compare with previous records and radiographs.
Apply
Use the findings to identify active sites and agree treatment targets. Re-chart after therapy using a consistent method so changes are meaningful.
Key distinctions
BPE is a screening instrument, while full-mouth six-point charting and attachment measures establish a baseline for diagnosis and review. Probe angulation, force, calculus and tissue inflammation influence readings. Recession can reduce pocket depth while attachment loss worsens, so both need consideration. Compare images for bone level patterns, not only the deepest current site.
Think through a case
A screening score indicates a need for detailed probing, but the record contains only the BPE. Full charting is needed to diagnose and compare change after treatment.
The distinction to remember
Do not use screening sextant scores as a substitute for site-level attachment, bleeding and furcation assessment.
Test your recall
Does a BPE score replace a complete periodontal chart?
Show answer
No, it signals when full assessment is needed.