Periimplant Probing Depth

In contrast to natural teeth, for which the average periodontal probing depth (PD) has been reported, the physiologic depth of the periimplant sulcus of successfully osseointegrated implants has been a matter of debate. There is widespread acceptance however that increasing periodontal PD and loss of clinical attachment are pathognomic for periodontal diseases. Pocket probing is therefore an important diagnostic process for the assessment of periodontal status for the evaluation of periodontal therapy. The extent of the probe penetration is influenced by factors such as probing force and angulation, probe tip diameter, roughness of the implant or root surface, inflammatory state of the periodontium and firmness of the marginal tissues.