G. Mod. 12 Perio and Basic Probe Techniques

Question 1

Periodontal Probe

Answer 1

Has a blunt, rod shaped working end that may be circular or rectangular in cross section and is calibrated with mm markings

Question 2

What is the use of a probe?

Answer 2

Detect and measure perio pockets

Distance between gingival margin and base of periodontal pockets

Question 3

Other uses of a probe (7)

Answer 3

-Clinical attachment loss (cal)
-Extent of recession of the gingival margin
-width of attached gingiva
-size of intraoral lesions
-assess bleeding on probing
-determine mucogingival relationships
-measure longitudinal response of periodontium to treatment

Question 4

Healthy probing depth

Answer 4

1-3 mm

Question 5

Periodontal pocket indicated at?

Answer 5

4mm+

Question 6

Gingival sulcus

Answer 6

V shaped space between the free gingiva and the tooth surface

Probe inserted here to assess health

Touches near CEJ

GM to coronal most part of junctional epithelium

Question 7

Free gingiva

Answer 7

Unattached portion of gingiva that surrounds tooth in region of the CEJ

Turtleneck, can be moved away

Question 8

Attached gingiva

Answer 8

Tightly connected to cementum on cervical third of root and to the periosteum (connective tissue) of alveolar bone

Question 9

Junctional epithelium

Health vs periodontitis

Answer 9

Tissue that forms base of sulcus by attaching to enamel of the crown near the CEJ

In health it attaches Apical (above) CEJ on enamel
In periodontitis it attaches to cementum of tooth root (below CEJ)

Question 10

Periodontitis

Answer 10

Bacterial infection of all parts of the periodontium

Which includes Gingiva, perio ligament, alveolar bone and cementum

Defined by presence of perio pocket

Question 11

Periodontal pocket
Destruction of

Answer 11

Results from destruction of alveolar bone and the periodontal ligament fibers that surround the tooth

Common to measure 5-6mm

Forms from apical migration of JE—Probe contacts root BELOW CEJ

Question 12

Gingival pocket
Occurs because of detachment of
And
Increased size of

Answer 12

Deepening of gingival sulcus from
1-detachment of coronal portion of JE from tooth
2-increased tissue size due to swelling (inflammation)

Question 13

Walking stroke

Answer 13

Movement of a calibrated probe around the perimeter of the base of the sulcus

Question 14

Limitations of probing measurements

Answer 14

Position of gingival margin
-significantly coronal to the CEJ (swollen)
-Apical to CEJ (Below) —can underestimate true extent of perio destruction

-reading errors from naturally occurring states
Calculus, overhang, crowns contour

-reading errors due to probing technique and equipment
Incorrect angulation
Incorrect pressure
Misreading probe
Recording wrong measurements

Question 15

UNC 12 Probe

Answer 15

Color coded at 4 and 9 mm

Question 16

Periodontis

Answer 16

bacterial infection of all parts of the periodontium including the gingiva, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and cementum.

Question 17

Probe depth >3mm

Answer 17

Perio pocket
Could be gingivitis but look at X-ray to confirm
Probe tip touches root below CEJ

Question 18

Interdental gingiva (papilla)

Answer 18

Gingiva that fills area between adjacent teeth apical to contact area

Question 19

Probing depth
Distance from — to —- in —-

Answer 19

Distance in mm from GM to base of sulcus or perio pocket

Question 20

Probing

Answer 20

Walking/Bobbing tip of probe along base of sulcus or pocket to assess health status of perio tissue

Question 21

Probe tip

Answer 21

1-2 mm of SIDE of probe, tip to tooth, kept in contact with tooth surfaces throughout walking stroke

Question 22

Parallelism

Answer 22

Probe working end positioned parallel as possible to root surface
Must be parallel in mesiodistal and faciolingual dimension

Question 23

Walking stroke

Answer 23

Bobbing made in sulcus or pocket while keeping probe tip against and in alignment with root surface

Question 24

Junctional epithelium
Characteristics

Answer 24

Forms base of sulcus or pocket and feels SOFT and FLEXIBLE when touched with probe tip

Question 25

Pressure exerted with probe

Answer 25

10-20 g

Question 26

Factors affecting accuracy of measurements

Answer 26

Position of gingival margin
Interference from calculus deposits, overhang restorations
Amount of pressure applied
Misread probe calibrations

Question 27

Difficult to probe maxillary molars because

Answer 27

Mandible in the way
Reposition handle to side of patients face to reach

Question 28

Written consent

Include ___ ___ as part of informed consent and treatment record

How word choice impacts patient

Answer 28

Plan signed by patient and hygienist in patient chart

Include refusal form as part of informed consent and treatment record

Word choice can negatively or positively impact patients perception of treatment planned