What is the function of a periodontal probe?

The function of a periodontal probe is to measure the depth of periodontal pockets, which is a critical aspect of periodontal assessment. Periodontal disease can lead to the formation of pockets between the gums and the teeth due to the deterioration of the supporting structures. By accurately measuring these pockets, the dental professional can evaluate the severity of periodontal disease and monitor any changes over time.

Measuring the depth of these pockets helps in diagnosing the stage of periodontal disease, planning treatment, and assessing the effectiveness of ongoing periodontal therapy. It provides vital information concerning the attachment level of the gums to the teeth and helps in determining the overall health of the periodontium.

The other choices do not relate to the specific function of a periodontal probe. Filling cavities pertains to restorative dentistry, extracting teeth involves surgical procedures, and administering local anesthetics is part of pain management in dentistry. Each of those activities requires different instruments and expertise unrelated to the probing function.