The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) recommends an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation, or CPE, to assess your periodontal health and identify conditions such as periodontal disease that may need additional treatment.
WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE PERIODONTAL EVALUATION?
In 2011, the American Academy of Periodontology published the Comprehensive Periodontal Therapy Statement, which recommends that all adults receive an annual comprehensive evaluation of their periodontal health.
A Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation, or CPE, is a way to assess your periodontal health by examining:
• Your teeth
• Your plaque
• Your gums
• Your bite
• Your bone structure
• Your risk factors
When your dental professional, such as a periodontist, general dentist, or dental hygienist, performs this evaluation, they will look at these six areas to determine the state of your periodontal health.
WHY DO I NEED A COMPREHENSIVE PERIODONTAL EVALUATION?
Recent research has indicated that the prevalence of periodontal disease in the U.S. may be significantly higher than originally estimated. This means that all adults should thoroughly assess the state of their periodontal health to receive accurate information about the health of their mouths.
By assessing your oral health on an annual basis, you and your dental professional will know how healthy your mouth is, and will be better able to notice any conditions, such as periodontal disease, that may need additional treatment.
Research has also shown, and experts agree, that there is an association between periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is very important to treat the inflammation that causes periodontal disease as soon as possible to ensure that your entire body stays healthy.
Courtesy of the American Academy of Periodontology