Practical periodontal screening and diagnosis

The differences in approach between screening for and diagnosis of periodon tal diseases are highlighted. The Periodontal Screening and Recording proce dure is discussed in terms of its evolution and current application. For pa tients screened and found to have more advanced periodontal problems a pano ramic dental radiograph with restricted supplemented periapicals are recomm ended. A comprehensive clinical periodontal examination should be performed for these patients, but it is argued that this may be performed after the initial hygiene phase of treatment. In establishing a diagnosis it is sugge sted that attention be paid to possible risk exposures. Newer, non-anatomic diagnostic procedures are discussed in principle and it is concluded that these do not have a practical application at present.