During the periodontal analysis the practitioner checks every tooth in regards to the surrounding bone and peridontium, i.e. the gums and attachment surrounding the tooth. This is predominantly done by measuring the pocket depths and an index-BOB called bleeding on probing. They indicate the activity level and severity of the disease.
The degree of tooth mobility is another simple measure that is done prior to any restoration. Each tooth is categorized as useful, possibly useful and not useful.
Every tooth that is not useful, including the ones with a poor long term prognosis, should be removed in time to preserve the bone for the required restorations, i.e. implants. The teeth with a questionable prognosis undergo the required treatment and are than reassessed. If they are now useful teeth, they are integrated into the treatment plan, otherwise they are eliminated and replaced with restorations with a good prognosis.