DHG 161 Final Exam Questions and
Answers|Latest Update
Purpose of a Nabor's probe Correct Answ_Preferred to assess the extent of furcation
involvement over standard periodontal probes for accuracy
1. Mandibular molars (bifurcated)
- furcation accessible from the facial and lingual aspects
2. Mandibular first premolars (bifurcated)
- furcation accessible from the mesial and distal aspects; under the contact area
3. Maxillary primary molars
- widespread roots
4. Maxillary molars (trifurcated)
- access for probing is from the mesiolingual, buccal, and distolingual surfaces
Purpose of an explorer Correct Answ_1. Detect, by tactile sense, the texture and character of
the tooth structure
- for calculus defects or irregularities in the surfaces and margins of restorations, and other
irregularities not apparent to direct observation
,- used to confirm direct observation
- avoid using on white spots (areas that have been remineralized)
2. Define the extent of instrumentation needed and guide techniques
- for scaling and root planning
- removing an overhanging filling
3. Evaluate the completeness of treatment
- for periodontal nonsurgical treatment as shown by the smooth tooth surface
- for removal of an overhanging filling by the smooth margins of the restoration
Correct exploring technique Correct Answ_1. Uses tactile sensitivity
2. Must have a light grasp
3. Explorer: instrument of choice for:
- initial location of deposits
- re-evaluation
4. During instrumentation, the curet is used for detection once the area feels smooth with curet,
re-evaluate with explorer
*Grasp*
relaxed, light modified pen grasp; middle finger rests lightly on the shank
,*Adaptation*
1-2 mm of the side of the tip
*Lateral pressure*
Light pressure against the tooth
*Activation*
Rocking motion (digital allowed with the use of an explorer)
*Stroke characteristics*
Fluid, sweeping stroke
*Stroke number*
Many overlapping strokes
*Common errors*
- avoid "death grip"
- avoid too much pressure
1. Adapt instrument and gently slide subgingivally
2. Keep tip in contact with root surface, slide tip apically until you feel the base of the pocket
3. Use a vertical or oblique stroke to move instrument up root
4. DO NOT remove the instrument from the pocket
, 5. Walk around tooth
6. Short strokes, about 2-3 mm (overlapping)
7. Lead with the tip into the interproximals
Correct probing technique Correct Answ_1. Act of walking the tip of the probe along the
junctional epithelium within the sulcus or pocket for the purpose of assessing the health status of
the periodontal tissue
- walking stroke: a series of bobbing strokes that are made within the sulcus or pocket while
keeping the probe tip against the tooth surface
- move forward in 1mm increments
2. Probe tip is kept in contact with the tooth surface at all times (1-2mm of the side of the probe)
- probe tip should NOT be held away from the tooth
3. Probe should be as parallel as possible to the tooth surface
Markings on a PSR probe Correct Answ_WHO probe which has a 0.5 mm ball at the tip and
mm markings at 3.5, 8.5, and 11.5 mm. Color coding from 3.5 to 5.5 mm
Markings on a periodontal probe Correct Answ_*UNC 15*
1. Marking pattern
Answers|Latest Update
Purpose of a Nabor's probe Correct Answ_Preferred to assess the extent of furcation
involvement over standard periodontal probes for accuracy
1. Mandibular molars (bifurcated)
- furcation accessible from the facial and lingual aspects
2. Mandibular first premolars (bifurcated)
- furcation accessible from the mesial and distal aspects; under the contact area
3. Maxillary primary molars
- widespread roots
4. Maxillary molars (trifurcated)
- access for probing is from the mesiolingual, buccal, and distolingual surfaces
Purpose of an explorer Correct Answ_1. Detect, by tactile sense, the texture and character of
the tooth structure
- for calculus defects or irregularities in the surfaces and margins of restorations, and other
irregularities not apparent to direct observation
,- used to confirm direct observation
- avoid using on white spots (areas that have been remineralized)
2. Define the extent of instrumentation needed and guide techniques
- for scaling and root planning
- removing an overhanging filling
3. Evaluate the completeness of treatment
- for periodontal nonsurgical treatment as shown by the smooth tooth surface
- for removal of an overhanging filling by the smooth margins of the restoration
Correct exploring technique Correct Answ_1. Uses tactile sensitivity
2. Must have a light grasp
3. Explorer: instrument of choice for:
- initial location of deposits
- re-evaluation
4. During instrumentation, the curet is used for detection once the area feels smooth with curet,
re-evaluate with explorer
*Grasp*
relaxed, light modified pen grasp; middle finger rests lightly on the shank
,*Adaptation*
1-2 mm of the side of the tip
*Lateral pressure*
Light pressure against the tooth
*Activation*
Rocking motion (digital allowed with the use of an explorer)
*Stroke characteristics*
Fluid, sweeping stroke
*Stroke number*
Many overlapping strokes
*Common errors*
- avoid "death grip"
- avoid too much pressure
1. Adapt instrument and gently slide subgingivally
2. Keep tip in contact with root surface, slide tip apically until you feel the base of the pocket
3. Use a vertical or oblique stroke to move instrument up root
4. DO NOT remove the instrument from the pocket
, 5. Walk around tooth
6. Short strokes, about 2-3 mm (overlapping)
7. Lead with the tip into the interproximals
Correct probing technique Correct Answ_1. Act of walking the tip of the probe along the
junctional epithelium within the sulcus or pocket for the purpose of assessing the health status of
the periodontal tissue
- walking stroke: a series of bobbing strokes that are made within the sulcus or pocket while
keeping the probe tip against the tooth surface
- move forward in 1mm increments
2. Probe tip is kept in contact with the tooth surface at all times (1-2mm of the side of the probe)
- probe tip should NOT be held away from the tooth
3. Probe should be as parallel as possible to the tooth surface
Markings on a PSR probe Correct Answ_WHO probe which has a 0.5 mm ball at the tip and
mm markings at 3.5, 8.5, and 11.5 mm. Color coding from 3.5 to 5.5 mm
Markings on a periodontal probe Correct Answ_*UNC 15*
1. Marking pattern
