Basic periodontal examination (BPE) screening:
- The Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) is a rapid screening tool used to identify periodontal disease and determine the level of further periodontal assessment required.
- How to perform a BPE:
Dentition is divided into 6 sextants:
Sextant based evaluation – highest score is recorded for each (minimum of 2 teeth in a sextant to qualify. If one tooth is present in a sextant then the score for that tooth is included in the recording for the adjoining sextant):
Upper right: 17 to 14, upper anterior 13-23, upper left 24-27
Lower right: 47 to 44, lower anterior 43-33, lower left 34 to 37
All teeth in a sextant are examined (Third molars are usually excluded unless they replace second molars or are functioning teeth within the sextant).
A World Health Organisation (WHO) probe is used:
The probe has a 'ball end' (the ball is 0.5mm in diameter)
The probe has a black band from 3.5mm to 5mm
Two further markings at 8.5mm and 11.5mm
The probe is walked around the gingival sulcus or periodontal pockets of the tooth in each sextant with the highest score being recorded.
It is recommended a light probing force is used equating to 20-25g or 0.2-0.25N (equivalent to the force required to blanch a fingernail.)
The probe should cover all six sites of the tooth: distobuccal, mid-buccal, mesiobuccal, distolingual/ palatal, mid-lingual/palatal, mesiolingual/palatal
- When to perform a BPE:
All new patients
Codes 0-2 → a BPE should be performed at every routine examination (at least annually)
Can be used on adults and children
In children under 11 years, only BPE codes 0–2 should normally be recorded. This is due to the increased likelihood of pseudo-pocketing associated with erupting teeth. Any deep pockets identified should be investigated further.
All codes 0-4* can be used in 12-17 when permanent teeth erupt
BPE should not be used around implants
- BPE scoring codes: