Dividing the Dentition Into Six Probing Sextants
CPI splits the mouth into six sextants for systematic screening.
- 6: Sextants examined (placeholder metric)
- up to 2: Index teeth per sextant (placeholder metric)
- ~20g: Probe force (placeholder metric)
- ~5 min: Screening time (placeholder metric)
Sextant probing overview
Placeholder: probe moves systematically around each sextant.
Detecting Gingival Bleeding as an Inflammation Signal
Bleeding after probing flags active gingival inflammation.
- CPI 1: Bleeding code (placeholder metric)
- 10-30s: Wait time (placeholder metric)
- moderate: Sensitivity (placeholder metric)
- plaque: Common cause (placeholder metric)
Bleeding detection overview
Placeholder: bleeding droplets appear at the gumline when present.
Feeling for Subgingival Calculus With the Probe Tip
Rough calculus deposits are detected by tactile probing.
- CPI 2: Calculus code (placeholder metric)
- tactile: Detection method (placeholder metric)
- lingual incisors: Common site (placeholder metric)
- mineralized plaque: Composition (placeholder metric)
Calculus detection overview
Placeholder: yellow deposits render along the tooth-gum junction.
Reading Millimeter Markings for Pocket Depth
Probe markings at 3.5, 5.5, and 8.5mm define shallow to deep pockets.
- <4mm: Shallow pocket (placeholder metric)
- 4-5mm: Moderate pocket (placeholder metric)
- 6mm+: Deep pocket (placeholder metric)
- 3: Marking bands (placeholder metric)
Pocket depth overview
Placeholder: probe inserted into the pocket shows a live depth reading.
Assigning the Worst Finding as the Sextant Score
Each sextant is scored by its single worst finding, codes 0 to 4.
- 0-4: Code range (placeholder metric)
- worst wins: Rule (placeholder metric)
- X (missing): Excluding code (placeholder metric)
- 6 sextant scores: Output (placeholder metric)
Final scoring overview
Placeholder: all six sextants light up with their final CPI code.
Placeholder: the highest sextant code guides referral for periodontal treatment.