Which instrument is used to check six sites on each tooth during PSR?

• A. Probe
• B. Ruler
• C. Curette
• D. Toothbrush

Answer: (A)

Periodontal probing with a slender calibrated instrument is used to check six sites around each tooth during PSR. This periodontal probe is designed to gently insert into the gingival sulcus at six sites around every tooth (mesio-buccal, mid-buccal, disto-buccal, mesio-lingual/palatal, mid-lingual, disto-lingual) to measure pocket depths in millimeters and note bleeding or other signs. The markings help you quickly categorize pocket depth and determine whether areas are healthy or require further assessment. The other tools don’t serve this measurement purpose: a ruler isn’t used in the sulcus, a curette is for cleaning and smoothing root surfaces, and a toothbrush is for cleaning surfaces, not measuring pockets. Hence, the periodontal probe is the instrument used for six-site assessment in PSR.