Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

Which of the following is NOT a reason for performing periodontal probing?

1. To assess gum health

2. To measure pocket depth around teeth

3. To diagnose cavities

4. To evaluate tissue attachment

The correct answer is: To diagnose cavities

Performing periodontal probing serves multiple critical purposes related to evaluating and managing periodontal health. Assessing gum health is fundamental because probing provides insight into the condition of the gingiva and surrounding tissue. Measuring pocket depth around teeth is essential for identifying the severity of periodontal disease, as deeper pockets generally indicate more severe issues. Evaluating tissue attachment reveals how well the gum tissue is adhering to the tooth and helps determine the extent of periodontal involvement. In contrast, diagnosing cavities involves different methods and examinations, such as visual inspections, radiographs, and caries detection tools. Cavities primarily pertain to the demineralization of tooth structure and are not directly assessed through periodontal probing. Therefore, the correct response highlights the distinction that probing is not used for diagnosing cavities, focusing instead on periodontal health assessments.