PPD
Also written as: PPD — Probing Pocket Depth
Abbreviation for Probing Pocket Depth, a millimetre measurement from the gingival margin to the base of the periodontal pocket.
Full Definition
PPD is the standard abbreviation used in periodontal research manuscripts and data tables to denote probing pocket depth. It is frequently paired with CAL (clinical attachment level) in outcome tables. Editors should confirm the abbreviation is defined on first use and applied consistently; some authors alternate between 'PPD', 'PD', and 'PrD' without distinction. In implant research, the equivalent measure may be labelled 'probing depth' around implants, and editors should ensure the term is contextually appropriate. The acronym should appear in the list of abbreviations if the journal requires one.
Usage
Usage note: Confirm context before using 'PPD'; in broader medical journals the acronym may be interpreted as postpartum depression.
In Context
- "Table 2 presents mean PPD and CAL values for each treatment arm at baseline, three months, and six months." — Results table caption
- "Because PPD is also an abbreviation for postpartum depression in medical literature, the editor recommended spelling out 'probing pocket depth' on first use in any cross-disciplinary submission." — Editorial style note