In probing, the probe tip should NOT be in which position?

• A. Held away from the tooth
• B. In contact with tooth surface
• C. Tip directed apically at root
• D. Tip inserted deep into sulcus at all times

Answer: (A)

In probing, the goal is to obtain an accurate measurement of pocket depth by using the probe as a reference from the tooth surface to the base of the sulcus. That means the tip must be in contact with the tooth surface and gently inserted into the gingival sulcus, directed apically toward the root to reach the base.

Holding the tip away from the tooth would not provide a proper reference surface, so the depth reading would be unreliable or unattainable, and you could miss the true base of the sulcus. The other accepted positions—keeping the tip in contact with the tooth surface and directing the tip apically—are how you reliably locate the base of the pocket. Inserting the tip deeply into the sulcus at all times is not appropriate because you should only insert to the base of the sulcus, not beyond, and not with continuous deep probing that could cause tissue trauma.