why does this tooth wiggle, but that tooth wagles?

Check occlusion! Check occlusion on everyone. Half of the perio problems out there are because of occlusion. Think mechanical + microbial.

1. Look for mobile teeth.
2. Look for widened PDL.
3. Look for peri-apical lesions.
4. Look for wear facets
   
5. Look for missing teeth
   
6. Calculus in strange places
7. Bridge? Hook your explorer underneath the connector and wiggle.
8. Feel the masseters, are they tensing equally?
9. Ask about parafunctional habits
10. Ask about pain
    

Figure out why the pt. has localized perio:

1. Heavy occlusion
2. New crown/ filling
3. Overhanging margin
4. Poor dextarity / OHC
5. No proximal contact
6. Clinching / grinding

If you think there is more to the perio problem than bacteria:

1. mount study casts (w/ and w/o removables)
2. determine if there is undue force on specific teeth
3. look for non-working interferences
4. try occlusal adjustments on the casts
5. When all else fails ask Dr. Taylor