Exact method for clinical measurement of loss of periodontal attachment

The aim of the present investigation was to develop a clinical method for measuring loss of periodontal attachment, with a measuring unit of less than 1 mm, which did not require surgical intervention. The method was based upon impressions of the pocket area. Sixteen teeth on which the cementoenamel junction was situated below the gingival margin and which were scheduled for extraction for prosthetic reasons were used. Two impressions of the facial gingival pockets of each tooth were taken using steel strips dipped in Coe-flex and inserted at the bottom of the pocket. The loss of attachment in relation to the cementoenamel junction was measured in a stereomicroscope with a measuring unit of 0.04 mm. After extraction, the teeth were stained for connective tissue attachment and the loss of attachment was measured. Duplicate measurements and pre- and post-extraction measurements of the same situation were compared. The results show that the accuracy and reproducibility of the method is high.