Perio Probe Flashcards
What is the purpose of the periodontal probe?
-to evaluate the health of the periodontium (bone and gingiva surrounding the tooth)
What is a probing depth?
Measurement of the depth of a sulcus (or periodontal pocket) by measuring distance from a gingival margin to the base of the pocket using a calibrated periodontal probe
What is the sulcus?
The natural space between the surface of the tooth and the surrounding gingiva
What should the probing depth of health sulcus be?
1-3 mm
What is a periodontal pocket?
when probing depth is greater than 3mm and clinical manifestations of inflammation and bleeding are present
Why do periodontal pockets occur?
a result of bacterial plaque and apical migration of the junctional epithelium
What is the probe used at UMKC?
marquis (3, 6, 9, 12 blocks)
What are the six different spots that are measured on the tooth during perio probing?
- distofacial
- facial
- mesiofacial
- distolingual
- lingual
- mesiolingual
How should you probe?
walking the tip of a probe along the junctional epithelium (JE) within the sulcus or pocket for the purpose of
assessing the health status of the periodontal tissue
Do you use the shortest or deepest measurement in an area while perio probing?
deepest
What grasp should you use for probing?
modified pen grasp
Probe should be ______ to the long axis of the tooth around all proximal surfaces
parallel
When will you know you are at the base of the sulcus?
gingival tissue blanches (turns white)
