PL-I+Index

PI-I Index (Silness and Loe)

The __PI-I__ is used to assess the thickness of plaque in the gingival area. (Nathe, 2005). This index falls under the category of __oral hygiene__. It is used to assess accumulation of plaque.

The PI-I index can be used on all teeth or selected teeth to be evaluated. It can be determined for groups of teeth as well as specific teeth. There are 4 surfaces on the gingiva are examined systematically which are: Distal, mesial, facial, and lingual.

PI-I is __reversible__.

This index is used with a probe or explorer.

First you will start by drying the teeth to visually inspect them using the light,mouth mirror, and probe or explorer. You will then observe the plaque that is located on the cervical third. A probe is used to examine the surface when biofilm/plaque is not visibly seen. Run the probe slightly under the gingival margin about 1-2mm to see if any plaque has adhered. If not biofilm adheres to the probe, the area is given a score of 0. If biofilm adheres, a score of 1 is given. Disclosing agent can be used to assist with the evaluation of scores 0 to 1.
 * __Procedure __**:

0 = No biofilm 1 = Biofilm adheres to the free gingival margin and area adjacent to tooth. The biofilm is noticed with the use of a disclosing agent. It may also be noticed by using an explore across the tooth surface. 2 = There is a moderate amount of build-up with in the tooth, gingival margin, or gingival pocket that can be seen clinically. 3 = There is a larger abundance of soft matter within the gingival pocket, tooth, and/or margin.
 * __Score/ Criteria __: **

__**Method of Assessment: **__ PI-I for area each surface: mesial, distal, facial, and lingual is assigned a score ranging from 0-3. *1 tooth: <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Total the scores and divide by 4. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">(ie. 1+1+2+0= 4/4=1)

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">*Group of teeth:

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 16px;">Scores for each area are totaled and divided by 4. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">(ie. 24 teeth total, each has a score of 1. 1x24=24 24/24=1) 1=fair

Scores for individual teeth may be grouped, totaled, and divided by the number of teeth. (The right side may be compared with the left)

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">PI-I ranges from 0-3 <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rating/Scores are as follows: <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Excellent = 0 <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Good = 0.1-0.9 <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fair = 1.0-1.9 <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Poor = 2.0-3.0

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">References: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Nathe, C. N. (2005). //Dental Public Health// (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wilkins, E. M. (Ed). Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist. 10th edition. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 342-345.