A periodontal probe is the primary instrument used in gingival examination. The only accurate method of detecting and evaluating periodontal pockets, is careful exploration with a periodontal probe. Pockets are not reliably detected or measured by radiographic examination.
Periodontal pockets are soft tissue changes.
Radiographs indicate areas of bone loss where pockets may occur, but do not show whether pockets are present, and do not reveal pocket depth. The probe's use can give the practitioner invaluable information concerning gingival bleeding, an important sign of inflammation, and determine the depth, shape, and tissue characteristics of the pocket. Design of the Probe Probes vary in cross-sectional design and millimeter markings. The calibrated working end is marked in millimeters at varying intervals to facilitate reading of depth measurements. This probe has a good, thin working end.