How is the loss of gingival attachment measured?

The loss of gingival attachment is measured by determining the distance from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the base of the periodontal pocket. This measurement is critical in periodontal assessments because it helps to evaluate the extent of periodontal disease and the attachment loss of the gingiva from the tooth surface.

When clinicians assess periodontal health, they look at the position of the gum tissue relative to the CEJ – the point where the enamel of the tooth meets the cementum of the root. By measuring to the base of the pocket, clinicians can accurately quantify how much attachment has been lost due to periodontal disease. This approach provides a standardized method for assessing periodontal attachment, which is important in both diagnosis and treatment planning.

Other methods of measurement presented do not accurately reflect the true loss of attachment as they may include measurements that are influenced by other factors, such as inflammation or swelling of the gingiva, which can distort the clinical attachment level. The focus on the CEJ and the base of the pocket in this measurement is what makes this method robust for evaluating periodontal health.