Limitations of using visual-tactile exams
(cont.)
Currently lack appropriate surveillance tool to measure
periodontal disease
n Have a large number of indices:
– Measure soft and hard deposits in the supra- and sub-
gingival areas
– Indices of gingivitis
– Indices of periodontal involvement alone – loss of
attachment (LOA) or pocket depth
• Or combined with measures of gingivitis
– Also digital radiography and enzymatic tests to detect
specific microorganisms
n None of these measures appropriate to collect surveillance data
– Issues of validity, reliability, and cost
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