Which instrument is used to check pocket depths?

• A. Sickle scaler
• B. Perio Probe
• C. Explorer
• D. Curette

Answer: (B)

Measuring periodontal pocket depths relies on a periodontal probe. This slender instrument has millimeter markings and a tapered, gentle tip that is inserted into the gingival sulcus or pocket. As you advance it to the base of the pocket, you read the depth from the gingival margin to the pocket base in millimeters. This provides a precise, quantitative sense of how deep the space is, which helps assess disease severity and monitor changes over time. The probe is specifically designed for this task and can also indicate bleeding on probing, recession, and tissue relationship.

Other instruments serve different roles. A sickle scaler removes calculus from tooth surfaces but isn’t used to measure depth. An explorer helps detect irregularities or calculus by feel, not with a calibrated depth reading. A curette is for subgingival scaling and root planing; while it encounters pockets, it isn’t a measurement tool and lacks a depth scale.