What distinguishes full mouth periodontal charting from limited periodontal charting?

Full mouth periodontal charting is characterized by its comprehensive nature, as it assesses all teeth and sites in the mouth systematically. This thorough evaluation includes measuring pocket depths, assessing gingival health, and documenting any mobility of teeth across the entire dentition, thus providing a complete picture of a patient’s periodontal health.

In contrast, limited charting typically involves assessing only specific areas or teeth as needed, which may be dictated by the patient's current dental issues or treatment needs. This selective approach might not capture the complete periodontal condition of the patient, leading to less informed treatment decisions.

The distinction is important because full mouth charting allows for the identification of widespread periodontal disease and enables effective treatment planning. Understanding the fundamental difference between these two types of charting helps ensure that dental professionals can provide comprehensive care tailored to the individual needs of their patients.