Module 12: Periodontal Probes and Basic Probing Technique

Flashcards covering the design, functions, uses, techniques, and ethical considerations related to periodontal probes and basic probing.

Periodontal Probe Working-End

Blunt and rod-shaped, with a cross-section that may be circular or rectangular, calibrated with millimeter markings.

Functions of Periodontal Probes

Used to determine the health of periodontal tissues and measure intraoral structures like miniature rulers.

Other Uses of Probes

Measure sulcus and pocket depths, clinical attachment levels, width of attached gingiva, presence of bleeding, size of oral lesions, and longitudinal response of periodontium to treatment.

Periodontal Probe (Markings)

Marked in millimeter increments to evaluate the health of periodontal tissues; many different patterns exist, including color-coded bands.

Color-Coded Probe

Marked in bands, with each band typically being several millimeters in width (e.g., 3, 6, 9, and 12 mm).

Probing Depth in a Healthy Sulcus

Should be from 1 to 3 mm in depth.

Probing Depth Indicating Periodontal Pocket

A probing depth deeper than 3 mm.

Free Gingiva

The unattached portion of the gingiva that surrounds the neck of the tooth in a turtleneck manner.

Healthy Gingival Sulcus

The V-shaped space between the free gingiva and the tooth surface, where a periodontal probe is inserted to assess health.

Junctional Epithelium

The tissue that forms the base of the sulcus or pocket, feeling soft and flexible when touched with the probe tip.

Sulcus (Definition)

The distance from the gingival margin to the coronal-most part of the junctional epithelium.

Interdental Gingiva

The portion of the gingiva that fills the area between two adjacent teeth apical to the contact area, also referred to as the papilla.

Gingival Pocket

A deepening of the gingival sulcus caused by detachment of the coronal portion of the junctional epithelium and swelling of tissue.

Periodontal Pocket Formation

Forms from apical migration of the junctional epithelium and destruction of periodontal fibers and bone.

Probing Depth (Recap)

The distance in millimeters from the gingival margin to the base of the sulcus as measured with a probe.

Probe Tip Adaptation

The 1 to 2 mm of the side of the probe that is kept in contact with the tooth surface throughout the walking stroke.

True Angulation of Teeth

The reality that most teeth are tilted, not vertically positioned, in dental arches, influencing instrument placement.

Parallelism (Probing)

Correct positioning of the probe parallel or as parallel as possible to the root surface for accurate adaptation.

Probing (Action)

The act of walking the tip of a probe along the base of a sulcus or pocket to assess the health status of the periodontal tissues, using digital and wrist-rock movements.

Walking Stroke

A series of short, bobbing strokes made within the sulcus or pocket, keeping the probe tip against and in alignment with the root surface to cover its entire circumference.

Limitations of Measurements

Factors affecting accuracy include the position of the gingival margin, interference from calculus or overhanging restorations, amount of pressure applied, and misread probe calibrations.

Depth Measurement Recording

Measurements are recorded for six specific sites or zones on each tooth, taking the deepest reading per zone and rounding up to the nearest full millimeter.

Interproximal Probing Technique (Under Contact Area)

A two-step technique involving walking the probe until it touches the contact area, then slanting the probe slightly to reach under the contact area and gently pressing downward.

Informed Consent

The patient's right to full disclosure of all relevant information about recommended treatment, including outcomes, risks, alternatives, and costs, to make informed choices.

Ethical Considerations for Informed Consent

Includes reasoning/importance of treatment, expected outcomes, risks, unexpected results, alternative approaches, consequences of refusal, costs, and patient's capacity to consent.

Documenting Consent

Written consent (plan signed by patient and hygienist in patient chart) is legally more sound than verbal or implied consent.

Informed Refusal

When a patient declines proposed treatment after being fully informed of the recommendations, risks, and alternatives; should be documented.