Dentists perform periodontal examinations once a year, we found in our recent survey, with some dentists preferring to do this procedure twice a year or more.
In fact, 14 percent of the dentists we surveyed are likely to recommend periodontal exams every three months.
“It should be done every time the patient comes in even if they see the dentist,” advised one dentist, “Generally, the patient should be seen 4 times a year.”
The respondents to this survey tended to perform periodontal examinations at least once a year.
43% recommend periodontal examinations once a year
33% recommended periodontal examinations at least twice a year
14% recommend periodontal examinations four times a year
9% recommended periodontal exam frequency on the need of their patients
Here are some comments from dentists:
“For periodontal maintenance complete charting should be done every three months.” (Florida periodontist)
“We probe at each cleaning visit, so the frequency varies based on the needs of the patient, ie: either 4x, 3x, or 2x per year.” (Arizona dentist)
“I recommend 3 to 4 times per year depending on the patient that I have diagnosed with having a case type III or higher.” (Illinois dentist)
“For the average healthy patient – once a year. For the patient with active periodontitis – every appointment.- For the patient with perio who has been been controlled for at least a year – annual full probes, and spot probes at other appointments.” (General Dentist)
“This all depends on the patient’s periodontal health. We do periodontal probings at each new patient exam and all recall/recare appointments with the RDH.” (Kentucky dentist)
“A four-month recall for adults is best!” (Virginia dentist)
“If a patient has aggressive periodontitis, we probe more frequently, and have the periodontist check the patient annually as well.” (Texas dentist)
“My hygienists probe at each hygiene appointment –every 3-4 months for perio patients.” (General dentist)
Read more: Periodontal Exams Should Be Done Every Time A Patient Sees The Dentist.
