The calibrated periodontal probe is a periodontal instrument that is marked in millimeter increments and used to evaluate the health of the periodontal tissues. 1. Design of Calibrated Probes. Calibrated probes have blunt, rod-shaped
working-ends that may be circular or rectangular in cross section. 2. Function of Periodontal Probes
a. Findings from an examination with a calibrated probe are an important part of a comprehensive periodontal assessment to determine the health of the periodontal tissues.
b. The calibrated periodontal probe is used to measure sulcus and pocket depths, to measure clinical attachment levels, to determine the width of attached gingiva, to assess for the presence of bleeding and/or purulent exudate (pus), and to measure the size of oral lesions.