Perio Tab

The Perio tab shows the traditional view of a perio chart where numerical exam data can be entered and viewed for each tooth and pocket. The graphical element of the perio chart displays anatomically correct representations of teeth and pockets in distinct facial and palatal (lingual) views. The scroll bar on the right side of the graphical display adjusts the window to accommodate these accurate drawings.

As the provider enters the measurements, numbers display for each pocket in the appropriate row–in this case, pocket depth. On the facial pockets, numbers appear above; on palatal pockets, the numbers appear below. Measurements that meet or exceed the provider’s alert depth display in an alternate color, typically red, but based on the provider’s preferences.

When a previous exam is available and selected, those results can be displayed in the current exam. These historical numbers appear in a light gray and are replaced with new measurements as they are entered. As new data is being entered, red up arrows show deterioration, and green down arrows show improvement.

Buttons and list options on the right side of the module engage different tools for entering data. This section focusses on the basic exam details including provider and date.

• You must select a provider from the list, if not previously set.
• The selected provider’s perio preferences (Provider Setup – Chart, Perio Preferences) are applied to the module by default.
• The Compared To Date field shows the date of any previous exam results displayed as a reference in the current chart. The previous exam is either the first exam or the most recent exam as set in the provider’s perio preferences. Change to another exam by clicking the calendar icon in the field.
• You can select the ADA classification from the list.
• You can select the stage value and/or grade value from the lists. If a perio exam exists for the selected patient with the stage value and/or grade value, then by default for the new exam, the previous exam's stage value and/or grade value is filled in automatically. These values appears on the Perio Chart and Tooth Chart.

The measurement buttons control the type of entry you want to record. Click the button to record the desired measurement. For example, click the Recession button to enter data for recession.

The check boxes selected next to the items under the printer icon appear on the printed chart. The provider’s preferred default settings automatically display; select or clear the check boxes as required.

The Edit Past Exam button enables the provider to open, review, or edit a past exam. A list of recent exams appears in the window for selection.

Additionally, the button can be used to reopen the current exam if another module was opened during the perio exam. For example, the provider enters a crown in the perio chart, but decides to enter a note about the crown in the Tooth Chart module. When the provider switches back to the Perio module, a new exam is prepared. The provider can click the Edit Past Exam button to return to the exam in progress.

Numbered buttons enable the provider to enter exam findings through the mouse instead of the keyboard. The +10 button acts as a toggle and adds ten to the value of all entries until it is clicked again.

For example, the provider needs to enter the following pocket depth measurements: 9, 11, 10, and 9. The provider first clicks the 9 button. Then, clicks the +10 toggle button followed by the 1 to create an entry of 11. Clicking the 0 button gives an entry of 10. Finally, the provider clicks the +10 to release the 10 and clicks the 9 button again to finish.

These buttons perform navigational functions such as moving back or forward (Next) one pocket or to the next tooth (<< or >>). The Hide 3rds button will remove the patient’s wisdom teeth from the chart with a single click.

Double-click the button to lock it when charting Recession for negative values. The values are strike-through.

When charting Mobility, you can click the button. A plus sign appears on the tooth.

The Bleeding and Suppuration buttons enable the provider to mark the previous pocket as showing bleeding, suppuration, or both. Colored dots appear at the gum line to represent the entry (Colors are set in office preferences).

These buttons represent the tooth pockets. As the perio auto-advance proceeds through the path, the appropriate button darkens. A provider can use these buttons to navigate within the chart outside the flow.

The Scratch and Redo buttons take the place of the voice commands to erase or replace an entry.

You can add specific types of services to the perio chart (setup is required) using these buttons. The entries flow to the tooth chart and are represented in the tooth chart.

Note: You can delete these services only from the Tooth Chart module.

The Show Graph button adds the graphed results of the exam findings to the Perio tab. You may view the graphed results at any time, click the Show Graph button each time to refresh the results. The graphed results remain until the provider leaves the module.

The order the exam proceeds through the teeth is based on the provider preference established in the Provider Setup window. However, you may use another tooth order and exam flow for the exam. Type the desired order in the Teeth Order field and select the exam flow from the Exam Flow list.

Select the state of voice recognition from the Speech State list to use voice recognition for data entry (setup is required).