Periodontal Probing

Question 1

What is the purpose of the periodontal probe?

Answer 1

Primarily, to evaluate the health of the periodontium (bone and gingiva
surrounding the tooth)

Question 2

what is a probing depth?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

probing depth allows dental professionals to assess the

Answer 3

periodontal health of an individual

Question 4

sulcus

Answer 4

The natural space between the
surface of the tooth and the
surrounding gingiva

Question 5

sulcus is healthy individuals

Answer 5

barely permits the insertion of the periodontal probe

Question 6

healthy periods probing depth of sulcus measure

Answer 6

1-3 mm

Question 7

periodontal pocket

Answer 7

When probing depths exceed 3mm
and clinical manifestations of
inflammation and bleeding are
present

Question 8

periodontal pocket occurs as a result of (2)

Answer 8

bacterial plaque and apical migration of the junctional epithelium

Question 9

probe used at UMKC

Answer 9

marquis

measured at 3, 6, 9, 12 blocks

Question 10

Probing measures six sites per tooth:

Answer 10

1. distofacial
2. facial
3. mesiofacial
4. distolingual
5. lingual
6. mesiolingual

Question 11

Note: only one reading per site is recorded; if probing depths vary within a sire, the — reading obtained in that site is recorded

Answer 11

deepest

Question 12

Probing=

Answer 12

act of 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 tissues

Question 13

Walking stroke is the movement of a

Answer 13

calibrated probe around the perimeter of

the base of a sulcus/pocket

Question 14

probing is essential to evaluate the entire

Answer 14

length of pocket base because the JE is not necessarily at a uniform level around the tooth

Question 15

Use — — grasp technique for holding the probe

Answer 15

modified pen

Question 16

Fulcrum (stabilize ring finger) …

Answer 16

close to the tooth you are probing

Question 17

Working-end of the probe should always

Answer 17

contact the tooth

Question 18

Probe should be — to the long axis of the tooth around all
proximal surfaces, except when probing the — —

Answer 18

parallel

interproximal spaces

Question 19

where do you place the probe?

Answer 19

Place the probe below the gingival margin to the base of the sulcus
(10-15 grams of pressure)- you’ll know you’re at the base when the
gingival tissues blanch (turn whitish)

Question 20

Your probing depth will be calculated based on the

Answer 20

line you see at

the gingival margin