When should a full-mouth periodontal examination be performed based on PSR results?

When should a full-mouth periodontal examination be performed based on PSR results?

• A. If all sextants coded 0
• B. If any sextant coded 3 or 4 or has a star
• C. If all sextants coded 1
• D. If any sextant coded 2

Answer: (B)

PSR is a quick screening tool that flags where a full periodontal examination is needed. Each sextant gets a code from 0 to 4, with higher numbers showing greater pocket depth and potential disease. A star is added when a sextant has findings that require more thorough assessment (such as recession, furcation involvement, or mobility). Because 3 and 4 reflect pockets wide enough to indicate periodontal involvement, and a star signals additional concerns needing complete evaluation, a full-mouth periodontal examination is indicated if any sextant shows a 3 or 4 or has a star. If everything is 0, or only 1s or 2s, a full exam isn’t mandatory yet.

PSR is a quick screening tool that flags where a full periodontal examination is needed. Each sextant gets a code from 0 to 4, with higher numbers showing greater pocket depth and potential disease. A star is added when a sextant has findings that require more thorough assessment (such as recession, furcation involvement, or mobility). Because 3 and 4 reflect pockets wide enough to indicate periodontal involvement, and a star signals additional concerns needing complete evaluation, a full-mouth periodontal examination is indicated if any sextant shows a 3 or 4 or has a star. If everything is 0, or only 1s or 2s, a full exam isn’t mandatory yet.