What role do radiographs play when Code 3 is identified?

• A. They aid bone assessment as part of comprehensive FMPE.
• B. They are unnecessary.
• C. They replace probing.
• D. They determine PSR code by themselves.

Answer: (A)

When Code 3 is identified, radiographs are used to assess bone support as part of a comprehensive full-mouth periodontal examination. The probing information tells you there are moderate pocket depths (and possibly calculus or defective margins), but radiographs reveal what the bone surrounding the teeth looks like—how much bone loss there is, where it’s located (crest level, vertical versus horizontal loss), and whether there’s furcation involvement or other bony abnormalities. This bone-level information is essential for determining the severity and planning appropriate treatment. Radiographs do not replace probing and do not determine the PSR code by themselves; they are an important adjunct to the clinical exam.