What is the correct angulation of the working end during probing?

• A. The probe should be perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth
• B. The probe should be parallel to the long axis of the tooth
• C. The probe should be angled 60 degrees to the tooth
• D. The probe should be rotated around the crown

Answer: (B)

In probing, maintain the working end parallel to the tooth’s long axis. This alignment keeps the probe tip following the sulcus floor consistently around all surfaces of the tooth, so the depth reading reflects the true pocket depth from the gingival margin to the base of the sulcus. Tilting the probe differently (perpendicular or at a steep angle) can distort readings or cause Tissue contact issues, leading to unreliable measurements or trauma. Rotating around the crown is part of exploring different surfaces, but it doesn’t define the angulation; parallel alignment ensures accurate, reproducible readings on mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual surfaces.