In what units are calibrations on a periodontal probe measured?

Calibrations on a periodontal probe are measured in millimeters. This is because periodontal probes are designed to measure the depth of the periodontal sulcus or pocket around teeth, and a more precise measurement is crucial for assessing gum health and diagnosing periodontal diseases.

Millimeters provide a suitable scale for this purpose, as the depths of periodontal pockets typically range from 0 to around 15 millimeters. Using millimeters allows for more detailed and accurate readings that are essential in dental assessments.

While centimeters and inches are larger measurements and meters are generally too unwieldy for the precise needs of dental probing, millimeters strike the right balance between clarity and accuracy in the dental field, making them the standard unit of measurement for periodontal probes.