Charting the Patient > Using the Soft Tissue Tab
When documenting the patient’s periodontal condition, you have several ways to enter data into the Soft Tissue chart. You can click on the numeric keypad in the tab, you can use the keyboard, or you can use your electronic probe.
How you see the Soft Tissue chart depends on the display option you select in the lower-right portion of the screen.
The default setting is All readings, single visit (data entry), or data entry mode. When this is selected, the Soft Tissue chart is displayed.
To document the patient’s periodontal condition:
On the Soft Tissue tab, select the tooth area to document. A rectangle with pointers appears around the site.
In the measurement area, select the condition you are documenting. Select from the following options:
Pckt for Pocket Depth
Rec for Recession
AttG for Attached Gingiva
Furc for Furcation
Mobl for Mobility
Bled for Bleeding
Supr for Suppuration
plaQ for Plaque
Calc for Calculus
Enter the measurement of the condition. The location to enter a value is highlighted with a partial blue border inside the box. As you move from site to site on the chart, the number location moves also. If you need to change a number, use the left arrow key on the keyboard to move back to that site, then enter the new number. When charting an area with multiple furcation, record the worst grade for each tooth.
Click the buttons on the right of the numbered keypad to indicate bleeding, suppuration, calculus, or plaque. These entries appear as icons in the light blue window next to the measurement.
Besides clicking Bled, Supr, and plaQ to enter those conditions at a site, you can also use the B, S, or Q keys on the keyboard.
Select a producer from the drop-down list to indicate who performed the examination.
The yellow Othr pointer always gives you the correct location of the site where your entry is being charted.
Moving Around on the Soft Tissue Chart