What instrument is commonly used for measuring periodontal pocket depth?

The periodontal probe is specifically designed to measure periodontal pocket depth, making it the most suitable instrument for this function. This tool features calibrated markings that allow dental professionals to assess the depth of the pockets around teeth, which is essential for diagnosing periodontal disease and determining appropriate treatment strategies.

Using a periodontal probe enables the clinician to accurately evaluate the health of the periodontal tissue, as pocket depth measurements can indicate the presence of inflammation or attachment loss. The probe is inserted gently into the sulcus or pocket between the gingiva and the tooth to obtain these measurements.

In contrast, the transilluminator is primarily used to detect dental caries or fractures through light transmission, rather than measuring pocket depths. The dental scaler is designed for removing calculus and plaque from the teeth, focusing on cleaning rather than assessing periodontal health. An intraoral camera captures images of the teeth and surrounding structures for diagnostic purposes but does not provide measurements related to pocket depth. Thus, the periodontal probe is the instrument of choice for this specific clinical assessment.