DANB General Chairside Practice Test

A periodontal pocket marker has a design that is similar to which of the following instruments?

1. Hemostatic forceps

2. Explorers

3. Cotton pliers

4. Suction tips

The correct answer is: Cotton pliers

A periodontal pocket marker is an instrument specifically designed to measure and mark the depth of periodontal pockets during an examination. Its design closely resembles that of cotton pliers, primarily due to the presence of two handles and a working end that is shaped to facilitate the marking of areas in the mouth. The ends of a periodontal pocket marker typically have small points or sharp tips that can easily penetrate the tissue to mark the pocket's depth, much like the tips of cotton pliers are designed for grasping and holding cotton rolls or gauze. This characteristic aids in the periodontal examination process, allowing for precision and ease of use in marking areas without damaging surrounding tissues. Other instruments listed, such as hemostatic forceps, explorers, and suction tips, serve very different functions than a periodontal pocket marker. Hemostatic forceps are designed to grasp blood vessels or tissues, explorers are primarily used for detecting carious lesions or other irregularities on the tooth surface, and suction tips are used to remove saliva and debris from the oral cavity. Their specific designs cater to these tasks, making them functionally and aesthetically different from a periodontal pocket marker.