Periodontal Probing
A clinical procedure in which a calibrated instrument is used to measure the depth of the sulcus or pocket surrounding each tooth.
Full Definition
Periodontal probing is a foundational diagnostic procedure in dental hygiene practice in which a periodontal probe—a thin, calibrated instrument marked in millimetre increments—is inserted into the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket around each tooth. Measurements are recorded at six sites per tooth (mesiobuccal, buccal, distobuccal, mesiolingual, lingual, distolingual) to assess the health of the periodontium. Readings of 1–3 mm are generally considered healthy, while readings of 4 mm or more may indicate periodontal disease. Results are documented in a periodontal chart and guide treatment planning. Editors handling clinical records or patient education materials must render 'probing' consistently and never conflate it with 'percussion' or 'palpation'.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify units (mm) when citing probing depths in clinical documentation. Do not abbreviate to 'probing' alone without prior definition in formal reports.
In Context
- "The hygienist recorded periodontal probing depths of 5 mm on the mesiobuccal surface of tooth #14, flagging it for further evaluation." — Clinical chart note
- "Accurate periodontal probing is essential before any scaling and root planing appointment." — Patient care protocol document