FOPI 12: Periodontal Probe

The computer-assisted probe automatically standardizes probing force at _____.

15 g

Angela is probing the mandibular canine. In the mesial site (site 3), the measurements are 3 mm, 3 mm, 3 mm, and 3.5 mm. What should Angela record for the mesial site?

4 mm

Morgan is probing the facial site (site 2) of a mandibular molar. The measurements in this site range from 2 to 4.5 mm. What reading should Morgan record on the periodontal chart for the facial site?

5 mm

When using a periodontal probe, it is necessary to take measurements in only three places on the facial site (site 2) of a molar tooth. Only three measurements are needed because the base of the sulcus is uniform across the entire facial site.

Both statements are false

A written consent to treatment is legally binding and will hold up in a court of law. Informed consent includes the costs of proposed treatments.

Both statements are true.

The side of the probe tip should be kept in contact with the tooth surface. The probe should be positioned parallel to the long axis of the tooth.

Both statements are true.

The tissue of the free gingiva fits closely around the tooth but is not directly attached to it. The free gingiva can be stretched away from the tooth surface with a periodontal probe.

Both statements are true.

In a periodontal pocket, the junctional epithelium is attached to which of the following structures?

Cementum

Daphne makes one measurement near the center of the lingual site (site 5) on a mandibular first molar. That measurement is 6 mm. What does this measurement indicate?

Daphne should reposition her probe at the distolingual line angle and begin making walking strokes across the lingual site

Where should probing begin on the facial site of the mandibular right first molar?

Distofacial line angle

Where should probing begin on the lingual site of the mandibular left first molar?

Distolingual line angle

To probe all aspects of a tooth correctly, you should:

Divide the tooth into six zones

In a healthy sulcus, the junctional epithelium is attached to which of the following structures?

Enamel

Mimi has determined that the first premolar has a periodontal pocket. To make this determination, Mimi would need to obtain a measurement of how many millimeters in depth?

Greater than 3.5

Hilda is probing the maxillary central incisor. For the facial site (site 2), the measurements are 5.6 mm, 5 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, and 6.5 mm. What do these measurements indicate?

Hilda should record a reading of 7 mm for the facial site.

Amy has inserted a periodontal probe to the base of a sulcus. Which of the following tissues forms the base of a clinically normal gingival sulcus?

Junctional epithelium

Bing has inserted a probe to the base of a periodontal pocket. Which of the following tissues does the probe touch at the base of the pocket?

Junctional epithelium

Clyde has inserted a probe to the base of a clinically normal sulcus. Which of the following tissues does the probe touch at the base of the sulcus?

Junctional epithelium

In a periodontal pocket, the periodontal probe is inserted beneath the gingival margin until it contacts which of the following structures?

Junctional epithelium

Axel has determined that the sulcus around a canine is clinically normal. To make this determination, Axel would need to obtain a measurement of how many millimeters in depth?

Less than 3.5

Igor is recording probing depth measurements on a periodontal chart. How many measurements should he record for each tooth?

Six

Corbin has walked a periodontal probe across the mesial surface until it touched the contact area. What should Corbin do next?

Slant the probe slightly and gently press downward to assess beneath the contact area.

It is preferable that patients consent to treatment plans verbally. A patient must have capacity to consent.

The first statement is false; the second statement is true

A decision by the patient to reject treatment should happen before informed consent. Informed refusal forms should be a part of patient documentation.

The first statement is false; the second statement is true.

The periodontal probe should be removed from the sulcus after each measurement. The pressure of the probe tip against the junctional epithelium should be between 10 and 20 g.

The first statement is false; the second statement is true.

The millimeter markings on periodontal probes may be indicated by indentations in the metal, colored indentations, or colored bands. The millimeter marks on all color-coded probes are placed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 mm.

The first statement is true; the second statement is false

A calibrated periodontal probe is marked in millimeter intervals. Each millimeter increment (from 1 to 12 mm) is indicated on the working-end of all calibrated probes.

The first statement is true; the second statement is false.

Probing depths may be overestimated due to swollen gingival tissue. Probing depths will be most accurate before you remove heavy subgingival calculus.

The first statement is true; the second statement is false.

Which of the following describes a gingival sulcus?

The space between the free gingiva and the tooth surface

Franklin is probing a maxillary first premolar where the gingival margin is at the CEJ. He records the following measurements on the periodontal chart: facial aspect = 4, 4, 4 and lingual aspect = 4, 4, 4. Do the measurements indicate that the premolar has a normal sulcus or a periodontal pocket?

These measurements indicate a periodontal pocket

Carolyn records the following readings on the periodontal chart for the maxillary right second premolar: facial aspect = 6, 5, 5 and lingual aspect = 7, 6, 7. The gingival margin is at the CEJ on this premolar. What do these readings indicate?

This tooth has a periodontal pocket and some of the alveolar bone surrounding the root has been lost

The calibrated probe is used for all of the following except _____.

determine the presence of dental caries

A periodontal pocket is a gingival sulcus that has been deepened because of _____.

disease

Since only light pressure is used when probing, _____ activation may be used.

either wrist or digital

Danielle is recording probing depths. She is measuring the distance in millimeters from the _____.

gingival margin to the base of the sulcus or pocket

The clinician knows when the probe tip touches the base of the sulcus because the tissue feels _____.

soft and resilient