Location of probe tip in bleeding and non-bleeding pockets with minimal gingival inflammation

In the present study the location of the probe tip was studied on human teeth scheduled for extraction for periodontal reasons. Prior to extraction all teeth were subjected to initial treatment consisting of plaque control and removal of supra- and subgingival deposits. Results showed that: 1) 43% of the pockets examined were still bleeding on probing after treatment 2) bleeding pockets were deeper than non-bleeding pockets 3) in non-bleeding pockets the probe tip was located more accurately at the attachment level than in bleeding pockets.