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Periodontics · single question

Periodontal probing records how many surface readings per tooth?

  1. 2 surfaces (buccal and lingual only)
  2. 3 surfaces (mesial, facial, distal)
  3. 6 readings per tooth (mesial, mid, distal on facial AND lingual/palatal)
  4. 4 surfaces (mesial, facial, distal, palatal/lingual)
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. 6 readings per tooth (mesial, mid, distal on facial AND lingual/palatal)

  • A. Incorrect. Two surfaces would give grossly incomplete periodontal data.
  • B. Incorrect. Three readings covers only the facial aspect — not the complete periodontal record.
  • C. Correct. Standard periodontal probing records SIX READINGS PER TOOTH: three on the FACIAL/BUCCAL surface (mesial, mid-buccal, distal) and three on the LINGUAL/PALATAL surface (mesial, mid-lingual, distal). This provides a complete circumferential picture of the periodontal pocket depths.
  • D. Incorrect. Four readings per tooth would omit the mid and other line angle readings.

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