What does CAL stand for in periodontal diagnosis?

In periodontal diagnosis, CAL stands for Clinical Attachment Level. This term is crucial in assessing periodontal health as it measures the distance from the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) to the base of the periodontal pocket. CAL provides valuable information about the amount of periodontal support around a tooth, helping practitioners determine the severity of periodontal disease and guide treatment planning.

Clinical Attachment Level reflects both the recession of the gums and any probing pocket depth, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of periodontal health. This measurement is essential for tracking the disease's progression over time and assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Understanding CAL helps clinicians to identify areas of attachment loss, which is critical for accurate diagnosis and management of periodontal conditions.