What is the typical depth of a gingival sulcus in a patient with no signs of periodontal disease?

The typical depth of a gingival sulcus in a healthy individual, with no signs of periodontal disease, is generally up to 3mm. However, depths of up to 4mm are considered acceptable in the context of health. In patients without periodontal disease, the gingival sulcus is an ideal environment that allows for a minimal amount of probing depth, indicating healthy gingival tissue that is snugly attached to the tooth surface.

The measurement of 4mm aligns well with the understanding that a sulcus deeper than 4mm might suggest potential periodontal issues, while a depth of less than 2mm could be an indicator of gingival recession. Therefore, the range of 1mm to 3mm is the norm, but a depth of up to 4mm is still considered healthy and does not necessarily indicate disease. This is why this choice effectively represents the expected findings in a patient exhibiting normal periodontal health.