TaschentiefeMessung

TaschentiefeMessung, also known as periodontal probing or pocket depth measurement, is a clinical procedure used in dentistry to assess the health of the tissues surrounding a tooth. The technique evaluates the depth of the gingival sulcus, the shallow space that normally exists between a tooth and the surrounding gingival tissue, to determine whether periodontal disease is present and to what extent it has progressed.

The procedure is performed with a dental probe, typically a manually calibrated instrument such as a UNC‑15 or a Probing Stick. The probe is gently inserted into the gingival sulcus to a depth of 4–12 mm. A reading is made in millimeters at six sites around each tooth, including mesio‑labial, middle labial, disto‑labial, mesio‑oral, middle oral, and disto‑oral positions. Depth values greater than 3 mm generally indicate the presence of a periodontal pocket, which signifies attachment loss and inflammation. Deeper measurements can signify advanced disease and guide treatment planning.

Clinical relevance: Accurate pocket depth measurements are crucial for diagnosing periodontitis, determining its severity, monitoring treatment outcomes, and predicting long‑term tooth prognosis. They are also used in research to evaluate therapeutic interventions and to establish epidemiological data for periodontal disease prevalence.

Factors influencing probing depth include probe angulation, force applied, patient discomfort, and tissue inflammation. Therefore, standard protocols emphasize consistent probe angulation, controlled pressure (approximately 0.25–0.5 N), and diligent patient communication. Repeated measurements are usually required over several visits to confirm diagnostic findings.

While TaschentiefeMessung is generally safe and non‑invasive, excessive probing pressure may cause transient bleeding or tissue trauma. Infections and tooth mobility may complicate readings. Training and calibration among clinicians improve measurement reliability, making pocket depth assessment a cornerstone of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic periodontal care.