Which sites are recorded as the probing depths during PSR?

• A. The deepest reading observed in each sextant; only one reading per sextant.
• B. The shallowest reading observed in each sextant.
• C. The average reading per sextant.
• D. All six readings per sextant.

Answer: (A)

In PSR, you’re using a screening approach that highlights the worst periodontal condition in each section of the mouth. After probing multiple sites within a sextant, you record only the deepest reading observed in that sextant. This single, worst reading per sextant serves as the indicator for that area and helps quickly categorize the level of periodontal health and need for further assessment.

Choosing the deepest depth rather than the shallowest, the average, or all six readings ensures that any significant pocket depth or potential disease in that sextant isn’t overlooked, while keeping the screening efficient. The shallowest would underestimate problems, the average could mask localized pockets, and recording all six readings would be impractical for a screening tool.