Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A pocket depth measurement of 4 mm when applying a pressure of 0.25N typically indicates a clinical finding that is generally considered within the range of healthy periodontal tissue, particularly in the absence of inflammation or other pathological signs. In periodontal assessments, healthy gingival sulci usually measure between 1 to 3 mm, and measurements above this—while indicative of potential issues—do not automatically confirm disease. A depth of 4 mm can be a borderline case where further examination is required to correlate with other clinical indicators such as bleeding on probing, clinical attachment levels, and radiographic evidence of bone loss.

While a pocket depth measurement of 4 mm can sometimes suggest issues like gingivitis or early signs of periodontitis, it is crucial to evaluate this measurement in the broader context of the patient's overall periodontal health. A solitary depth of 4 mm without other contributing factors often leans towards being categorized as healthy, especially if the tissue appears firm and does not exhibit signs of inflammation. In this scenario, if the tissue condition is good and there’s no bleeding upon probing, it strengthens the assessment of healthy periodontal tissue.