What does a star (*) in PSR coding signify?

• A. A star indicates no additional findings.
• B. A star indicates the sextant is code 0.
• C. A star indicates a need for radiographs.
• D. Additional findings such as furcation involvement, mobility, recession, or other mucogingival concerns in that sextant.

Answer: (D)

In PSR, a star marks that there are additional findings in that sextant beyond the basic score. The star flags problems such as furcation involvement, tooth mobility, gingival recession, or other mucogingival concerns in that sextant. Because of this, a full periodontal examination of that sextant is indicated to assess the extent of disease and guide treatment. The star is not about a lack of findings or about the sextant’s coded level, and it’s not specifically a radiograph indicator; it’s a flag for extra clinical findings that warrant further assessment.