Which landmarks can be accessed with a periodontal probe?

• A. Gingival margin
• B. Attachment level
• C. Mucogingival junction
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

A periodontal probe is used to identify key landmarks on and around a tooth by gently tracing along the sulcus and brushing up against tissue boundaries. It can reach the gingival margin directly to measure pocket depth and to detect whether the tissue margin sits coronal or apical to the CEJ, which helps reveal recession or overgrowth. By combining pocket depth with the position of the CEJ, you determine the clinical attachment level, a crucial indicator of attachment loss. On the facial and lingual surfaces, the probe also helps locate the mucogingival junction—the border where attached gingiva ends and movable alveolar mucosa begins—so you can assess the width of attached gingiva. Because a periodontal probe can access all three landmarks, all of the above are correct.