Create a Perio Chart

Periodontal charting is a way of measuring the space between a tooth and the gum tissue next to it. A dentist or dental hygienist uses an instrument called a probe and gently inserts it into this space. This probe has markings like a tape measure that show them how deep it can reach into the space to check the health of your gums.

Let's see how to complete Perio Charting in CareStack!

• Search for the intended patient using the Global Search Bar.
• Click Perio.

• Click + Add Chart on the top-right.

Note: 

• All conditions and treatments recorded in the clinical chart will be reflected in the Perio Chart, including Bleeding and Plaque indices.
• The Perio Chart is synchronised with odontogram dentition, even in cases of incorrect date of birth (DOB) entries.

• Enter the following details:
  • Clinician: Select the treating clinician for this perio chart.
  • Location: Select the correct location.
  • Exam Date: The current date will be entered by default, or you can checkmark 'Select a Previous Date' to select the correct date for this perio exam.
• Click Add to begin filling out your perio exam.

Note: Select the checkbox 'Copy from Previous Exam' if you would like to compare previous charting depths (which will be displayed only if there exists a previously entered chart).

• Enter the number of your measurements in the blue-highlighted box (pictured below).
  • The chart may auto-advance to the next field to help you complete the chart faster (determined by your settings).

Tip:

• If a measurement of 10+ is required, hold the ALT key, then type the full number (10, 11, etc.).
• To enter a negative gingival margin, press the minus (-) sign and then type the number.
  • B - Bleeding
  • S - Suppuration
  • Right and left arrow keys - Navigation
  • Backspace - Clear previous entry and go back
  • Space - Move forward
  • Delete - Erase current selection
  • Alt + Enter - double-digit values.

• Toggle the 'Show Palatal Teeth' button, initially disabled by default, to switch between a concise visual display of all values in one frame and a graphical representation of the Palatal layer.

Note: The selected toggle option for Show Palatal Teeth remains unchanged during user login or logout, retaining the user's preference.

• You will see highlighted red markings for readings that surpass the threshold. We have also categorised the teeth with distinct lines to facilitate a swift correlation between the individual tooth and its respective reading for effortless identification. These have been implemented to provide users with an enhanced Perio Charting experience.
• Utilise the right-hand side panel for effortless mapping of conditions or to input data points as required. This eliminates the need to switch between the Numeric and Perio Chart.

• Click View Statistics to display categorised summaries of pocket depth, gingival margin, furcation, mobility, and bleeding on probing based on the highest recorded values per tooth.

• Once you have finished charting your perio exam, click Finish.

• You will receive a toast notification on the top right stating, 'Perio chart saved successfully'.

Note: 

• If you have the setting ‘Print chart after finishing exam’ within the System Menu > Practice Settings > Clinical > Perio Chart > Print chart after finishing exam setting enabled, a printout will open in a new tab once the perio chart is completed.

• Editing a perio chart can be done within the same day if the ‘Allow editing of perio chart (a day)’ option is enabled inside the Practice Settings > Clinical > Perio Chart.

To explore the different options in Perio Chart & Perio Chart Settings, click here.

Practices can use this simple guide to quickly create a perio chart in CareStack.