What constitutes Code 1 in PSR?

What constitutes Code 1 in PSR?

• A. Bleeding on probing after gentle probing, with no calculus or defective margins; pockets are ≤3.5 mm.
• B. Presence of calculus
• C. Pockets 4-5 mm
• D. 6 mm pockets

Answer: (A)

In periodontal screening and recording, codes reflect the most severe finding in a sextant. Code 1 is used when there is gingival inflammation shown by bleeding on probing after gentle probing, but there are no calculus or defective margins, and the pocket depths are shallow (3.5 mm or less). This combination signals gingivitis without attachment loss: inflammation present, but the support around the teeth remains essentially healthy. Bleeding on probing shows the gingival tissues are reactive and inflamed. The absence of calculus or defective margins means there aren’t local factors like deposits or faulty margins contributing to deeper pockets. And keeping pocket depths to 3.5 mm or less confirms there isn’t a measurable loss of support. So this scenario is the mildest screening code, guiding emphasis on plaque control and rechecking. The other options describe more advanced findings: calculus presence moves you into a higher code, while deeper pockets (4–5.5 mm or greater than 5.5 mm) also push the code higher, regardless of calculus.

In periodontal screening and recording, codes reflect the most severe finding in a sextant. Code 1 is used when there is gingival inflammation shown by bleeding on probing after gentle probing, but there are no calculus or defective margins, and the pocket depths are shallow (3.5 mm or less). This combination signals gingivitis without attachment loss: inflammation present, but the support around the teeth remains essentially healthy.

Bleeding on probing shows the gingival tissues are reactive and inflamed. The absence of calculus or defective margins means there aren’t local factors like deposits or faulty margins contributing to deeper pockets. And keeping pocket depths to 3.5 mm or less confirms there isn’t a measurable loss of support. So this scenario is the mildest screening code, guiding emphasis on plaque control and rechecking.

The other options describe more advanced findings: calculus presence moves you into a higher code, while deeper pockets (4–5.5 mm or greater than 5.5 mm) also push the code higher, regardless of calculus.