Tooth A had a probing depth of 3 mm, Tooth B had a probing depth of 6 mm, and Tooth C had a probing depth of 9 mm. The bone level was different for each tooth, with more bone loss around Tooth C compared to Teeth A and B. While the probing depths provided accurate measurements of the pockets, they did not directly indicate the amount of underlying bone loss for each tooth.

1. 284 F ndamentals of Periodontal Instr mentation &Advanced Root Instr mentation
Section 6
Skill Application
PRACTICALFOCuS
Determining Probing Depths
1. Probing Depths. Using the color-coded probe shown in Figure 12-41, measure and
record the probing depths for the three teeth illustrated in Figures 12-42 to 12-45 below.
Fig re 12-43. Tooth A.
Probing Depth = ___ mm
Fig re 12-44. T
ooth B.
Probing Depth = ___ mm
Fig re 12-45. T
ooth C.
Probing Depth = ___ mm
3 mm 6 mm 9 mm 12 mm
Fig re 12-42. Probe Millimeter Markings.
Assess the Probing Depths. Look closely at teeth A, B, and C above.
1. Compare the bone level on these three teeth? Is the level of bone the same or different
for these teeth?
2. Compare the probing depths. Do the probing depths provide you with an accurate
picture of the amount of bone lost from around each of the teeth?