Which instrument is primarily used for periodontal probing?

The instrument primarily used for periodontal probing is the probe. A periodontal probe is specifically designed to assess the health of the gums and surrounding tissues, allowing dental professionals to measure the depth of the periodontal pockets. This is critical in diagnosing periodontal diseases and determining the extent of gum issues.

The probing depth provides valuable information about the periodontal status of a patient, including the presence of inflammation or the progression of periodontal disease. The probe typically has markings to help measure the depths accurately, and its design allows for gentle insertion into the sulcus without causing trauma to the tissue.

In contrast, other instruments like the explorer are primarily used for detecting caries, calculus, and other irregularities on tooth surfaces. Scalers, on the other hand, are utilized to remove calculus from the teeth, while a Cryer elevator is a tool used for extracting teeth. Each of these instruments serves a specific purpose, but when it comes to assessing periodontal health, the probe is the tool of choice.