Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Practice Test

The periodontal probe is specifically designed to measure the depth of periodontal pockets around teeth, making it the most suitable instrument for this task. It typically features a slender and graduated design, allowing the clinician to insert it gently between the gum and tooth to assess the depth of the sulcus or periodontal pocket. This measurement is crucial for diagnosing periodontal disease and planning treatment, as it helps determine the health of the periodontal tissues.

In contrast, a dental mirror is primarily used for visual examination of the oral cavity, allowing practitioners to see areas that are otherwise difficult to view directly. An explorer is a sharp instrument used to detect decay and other irregularities in teeth, but it does not measure periodontal pocket depth. A scalpel is used for cutting soft tissue, usually in surgical procedures, and is not involved in measuring periodontal conditions. Thus, the periodontal probe stands out as the appropriate instrument for assessing pocket depth in periodontal assessment.