How should recession be documented in PSR?

• A. Recession should be ignored.
• B. Note presence of recession and consider placing a star if recession is significant; the numeric code reflects pocket depth, not recession alone.
• C. Recession increases PSR code directly.
• D. Recession alone equals Code 1.

Answer: (B)

In PSR, the coded sextant value is driven by pocket depth categories measured with a ball-ended probe; recession is a separate finding, not what sets the numeric code. If recession is present, you should document it and note whether it is significant, often using a star to flag the sextant for full periodontal evaluation. The star serves as a sign that additional assessment is needed beyond the numeric code, while the code itself reflects pocket depth, not recession alone. So you record the recession and, if warranted by its extent, add the star, but the PSR code remains based on probing depths.