Probe Basics
This instrument is used to measure the depth of the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket.
What is a periodontal probe?
This angulation is used when probing most tooth surfaces.
What is parallel to the long axis of the tooth?
Normal sulcus depth in a healthy mouth.
What is 1–3 mm?
Bleeding upon probing usually indicates this.
What is inflammation or disease?
Using too much pressure can cause this.
What is tissue trauma and/or inaccurate readings?
Probing depths are recorded in this unit.
What are millimeters?
This technique ensures the probe stays in contact with the tooth surface.
What is “walking” the probe?
This measurement can indicate the presence of periodontal disease.
Greater than 6mm.
This finding suggests loss of attachment.
What are deep probing depths?
Failing to angle interproximally results in this error.
What is underestimating pocket depth?
The curved probe often used for furcation detection.
What is a Nabers probe?
The probing pressure recommended for accurate measurements.
What is light pressure (approximately 10–20 grams)?
How many sites are probed per tooth in a full periodontal assessment?
What are six sites per tooth?
Pus expressed during probing is known as this.
What is suppuration or exudate?
Not keeping the probe against the tooth can cause this.
What is inconsistent or inaccurate measurements?
Name another function of the periodontal probe besides measuring pocket depth?
What is measuring oral lesions, CAL, and assessing BOP?
This is a two-step technique to measure the interproximal area.
What is the Tip and Press?
This compares the gingival margin to the CEJ.
What is gingival recession?
Detected during probing, this involvement occurs when a periodontal pocket extends into the space between the roots of multi-rooted teeth, often indicating advanced bone loss.
What is furcation involvement?
This being present on the tooth can cause inaccurate readings.
What is calculus?
This part of the probe must remain in contact with the tooth during probing.
What is the probe tip?
This motion helps locate the base of the pocket.
What is a vertical walking stroke?
Clinical attachment level/loss (CAL) is determined by ADDING these two measurements to assess true periodontal support.
What are pocket depth and gingival recession?
In this condition, the gingival margin is coronal to its normal position.
What is a pseudo or false pocket?
This can happen when excessive pressure is applied during probing.
What is puncturing the junctional epithelium?