The document describes the diagnostic process for examining the periodontium and oral mucosa intra-orally. It involves examining the gingiva for signs of inflammation using indices to assess periodontal health. The oral mucosa of different areas are also examined, including inspection for lesions and palpation for tenderness or fixation. Examination of the chief complaint area compiles all observations to lead to a provisional diagnosis.

1. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
Intra-oral Examination
Periodontium:
Gingiva is examined for signs of inflammation by
studying the following features:
color, contour, consistency, surface texture, size,
position, pus, bleeding on probing & pocket formation.
If pocket formation is noted, William’s graduated probe
is used to measure pocket depth on all the four aspects of
the tooth.
Various indices (‘Gingival Index’, ‘Periodontal Index’) can
also be used to assess the health of the periodontium in a
more objective manner.

2. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS

3. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
Intra-oral Examination
Oral Mucous Membrane: examined region wise
~ Labial mucosa & vermilion border (upper & lower)
~ Buccal Examination mucosa of (right an ulcer:
& left; opening of parotid duct
& assessment of salivary flow, viscosity)
Inspection
# Site, size, shape, number
# Borders
# Edges
# Floor
# Surrounding mucosa
~ Vestibular mucosa (upper & lower; right & left)
~ Palatal mucosa (hard & soft palate)
~ Lingual mucosa (examination of tongue: dorsal,
Palpation
# Tenderness
# Base
# Fixity to
underlying tissue
# Bleeding
ventral & lateral surfaces; size; papillae; movement;
frenal attachment; and palpation & taste acuity )
~ Floor of the mouth mucosa (including openings of
the submandibular ducts & assessment of salivary
flow, viscosity)

4. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
Examination of Oral Mucous Membrane

5. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
Examination of Oral Mucous Membrane

6. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
Examination of Oral Mucous Membrane

7. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
Intra-oral Examination
Detailed examination of the area of chief complaint:
All the observations regarding this area, made
during the examination so far, are first compiled.
Any further observations - not made earlier - are
then noted down.
All the observations regarding the area of chief
complaint - thus compiled under this heading - are
coupled with the history of the chief complaint to
lead the clinician to provisional diagnosis of the
chief complaint.

8. THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
II. Examination
A. General
B. Extra-oral
C. Intra-oral :
1. Teeth & Periodontium
2. Oral Mucous Membrane
3. Detailed examination of area of chief complaint