Distaalisesta

Distaalisesta refers to the second phase of periodontal probing, which is used to assess the periodontal status of a patient. The term "distaalisesta" is Finnish, roughly translating to "from the distal", referring to measurements taken from the back or distal side of the teeth.

During a periodontal examination, a dental professional uses periodontal probes to measure the probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) around the teeth. The first phase is measuring from the front or mesial side, also known as the "mesiataalisesta" phase. Once the mesial phase is completed, the distaalisesta phase begins.

In the distaalisesta phase, the periodontal probe is inserted around the back of the teeth, usually requiring the patient to open their mouth wide to allow access. This phase is used to measure the remaining periodontal support, include bone levels, and detect any areas of attachment loss. The results of both phases are used by the dental professional to determine the presence and extent of periodontal disease, as well as to assess the effectiveness of any treatment.

Key differences between the mesiataalisesta and distaalisesta phases include the location of measurement and the focus of the examination. The distaalisesta phase specifically targets the distal aspects of the teeth, providing valuable information on the back side of the dental arch. The data collected from both phases is crucial in making informed treatment decisions and developing a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with periodontal disease.