1. Presented by: Mellissa Boyd, RDH, BSDH
The Periodontal Probe
Presented by:
Mellissa Boyd, RDH, BSDH

2. Calibrated Probe Assessment instrument
Determine health of periodontal tissues

3. Working-End Blunt Rod-shaped Millimeter markings Color coded
Cross-section
Round
Rectangular

4. Purpose Measurement Sulcus/pocket depths Width of attached gingivaB C
Measurement
Sulcus/pocket depths
Width of attached gingiva
Bleeding
Exudate
Oral lesions
Furcations
A = alveolar mucosa
B = attached gingiva
C= mucogingival junction
D = GM
E = Free gingiva E D

5. Sulcus vs. Pocket Sulcus Pocket Space between free gingiva and tooth
1-3mm
Pocket
Sulcus deepened because of disease
4mm+
Gingival vs. periodontal

6. Probing Depth Entire sulcus probed Six sites per tooth 3 buccal
3 lingual
Record deepest reading per site
Depth rounded up to nearest mm

7. Basic Technique Insert tip to JE, feel slight resistance
Gentle walking strokes
10 – 20 grams pressure
Digital motion
Close together
1-2 mm
Not out of sulcus

8. Probe Position ‐ Healthy Tissue
Sulcus • Space between free gingiva and tooth • Healthy sulcus = 1 to 3 mm • Probe tip touches tooth near the CEJ

9. Probe Position – Diseased Tissue
Pocket • Sulcus deepened because of disease • 4mm+ • Bleeding • Probe tip touches root at point apical of CEJ

10. Comparison Measurement Marquis Probe (3‐6‐9‐12)
Healthy Sulcus
Diseased Pocket
Probing Depth?
Probing Depth?

11. Need CPE to get the full story

12. Measurements Recorded
6 sites per tooth
Record deepest reading

13. Insertion of Probe Tip Keep side of tip against tooth surface
Tip = 1-2mm of probe
Observe enamel contour near CEJ
Tip parallel to tooth surface, keep constant contact with tooth surface

14. Incorrect Insertion Probe tip should NOT be held away from tooth
• Inaccurate measurement
• PAIN

15. Adaptation
Parallel to long axis of tooth
Inaccurate measurement

16. Probe Walking Stroke Gently insert to base of sulcus • Walking Stroke
– Series of light bobbing strokes
– Made within sulcus/pocket while keeping side of probe tip against tooth surface

17. Maxillary Posterior Technique
Extraoral fulcrum
Begin at DB line angle of maxillary right most posterior tooth (1, 2, etc)
• Insert & walk probe into distal “area”
• Record deepest measurement from DB line angle to D of tooth
Walk all the
way to the direct Distal

18. Maxillary Posterior Technique
Remove and reinsert DB line angle
• Walk probe across B surface
• Walk probe around MB line angle and touch M contact
• Slant probe under contact
(col)
• Take measurement under M contact in col area
If no contacting tooth, take direct distal

19. Maxillary Anterior Technique
NOTE:
– When you reach midline, walking sequence will reverse for max L quadrant #9 you will walk probe from MF line angle into M
– Touch contact and slant probe very slightly to access col reading (anterior teeth are thinner so don’t over tilt)
– Remove & reinsert at MF line angle, probe across M around DF line angle (continue sequence for max L quad)
– Probe Lingual surfaces from #15, 16, etc. back across arch

20. Max vs. Mand – who wins?

21. Mandibular Technique Posterior
– Begin at DB line angle of mandibular right most posterior tooth (32, 31, etc)
• Anterior
– At midline walking sequence will reverse for mand L quadrant
#24 you will walk probe from MF line angle into M
– Touch contact and slant probe very slightly to access col reading (anterior teeth are thinner so don’t over tilt)
– Remove & reinsert at MF line angle, probe across M around DF line angle (continue sequence for mand L quad)
– Probe Lingual surfaces from #17, 18, etc. back across arch

22. Furcation Involvement
Bone loss in area of furcation
Result of periodontal disease
Furcation probe or
periodontal probe
Access
Mandibular molars
Maxillary molars
Maxillary 1st premolar

23. Oral Lesions or Deviations
Document with measurement
Use anatomical references
anterior-posterior (front to back)
superior-inferior (top to bottom)

24. Mucogingival Examination
Attached Gingiva
Area from base of sulcus to mucogingival junction (MGJ)
Attached to the cementum of tooth and alveolar bone by collagenous fibers
Attached Gingiva
Functions to keep free gingiva from being pulled away from tooth
Width varies
Widest anterior teeth ( mm maxilla and mm mandible)
Narrowest on premolar teeth (1.9mm maxillary and 1.8mm mandibular)

25. Mucogingival Examination
Alveolar mucosa
located apical to the MGJ
deeper red color than attached
Shiny and loosely attached to underlying bone
MG defect
Recession near MGJ or into alveolar mucosa

26. Clinical Attachment Level
Measurement from the CEJ to JE
Most accurate measure of attachment loss
Three possible relationships:
GM apical to CEJ (recession)
GM coronal to CEJ (hyperplasia)
GM level with CEJ

27. Accuracy of Measurement
Affected by:
• Size & design of probe
• Technique
• Tissue health
• Adaptation of probe tip against side of tooth
• Walking stroke control
• Avoiding excessive pressure
• Correct angulation into “col” area

28. Charting Practice Mandibular right first molar, facial aspect Typodont
William’s probe
Probe and record
Mandibular right first molar, facial aspect
(Nield p 233 –235)
Mandibular left canine, facial aspect
(Nield pp )