Which type of examination is essential before proceeding with scaling and root planing?

Before proceeding with scaling and root planing, a clinical periodontal examination is essential because it provides critical information about the patient's periodontal health status. This examination involves assessing the patient's periodontal tissues, including probing depths, clinical attachment levels, gingival condition, and the presence of any periodontal pockets or furcations. The findings help in diagnosing the extent of periodontal disease, determining the appropriate treatment plan, and identifying areas that may require more intensive intervention.

A clinical periodontal examination allows the clinician to tailor the scaling and root planing procedure to meet the specific needs of the patient, ensuring that any areas of active disease are adequately addressed. This examination helps to establish a baseline for future assessments, allowing for the monitoring of disease progression or stability over time.

While radiographic examinations can provide additional information about bone levels and the presence of dental calculus, they are typically used to complement the clinical findings rather than replace them. Patient satisfaction surveys and referrals to specialists are not direct assessments of periodontal health and therefore do not provide the necessary information required before initiating scaling and root planing.