Definition of Probing

Periodontal Probing is part of the charting process which takes place when a new patient enters the practice or as part of the regular exam when necessary. Periodontal probing along with radiographic exams help to determine if the patient has good periodontal health or not.

Probing is done at 6 sites on a tooth:

1) Mesial buccal or facial

2)Cervical buccal or facial

3) Distal buccal or facial

4) Distal Lingual

5) Cervical Lingual

6) Mesial Lingual

(on some occasions it is necessary to probe a Bi or Trifurcatation of a molar)

 

A Periodontal Probe is an instrument used to measure the depth of the sulcus or free space around the tooth. The sulcus is like a collar around the tooth and in a normal healthy mouth the depth of the sulcus is usually 1 to 3 millimeters deep. The periodontal probe has markings denoting the depth usually in 3 millimeter increments. There are many different types of probes which has different markings. It seems that the most popular types have the 3 millimeter markings. Some probes have the markings in colors, black, green, yellow etc. alternating with the color of the probe it self such as metal or white, if the probe is plastic.

The probe is placed gently but firmly into the gingival sulcus parallel to the long axis of the tooth to measure the depth of the sulcus. The reading will then be form the gingival margin to the end of the sulcus or pocket toward the apex of the tooth. The readings are then recorded on to the patient's chart. There can be different styles of perio charts. The simplest seems to be one with the teeth drawn on the chart with the Facial or Buccal aspect, the occusuals in the middle and the Lingual aspect. The readings are placed around the tooth either at the coronal or crown of the tooth or the apex of the tooth.

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