Periodontal probes are used to measure the depth of patients' periodontal pockets. These hand instruments feature a curved tip with depth markings. They are used by gently inserting the tip into each of a patient's pockets and recording the depth. Periodontal probes can be made from a range of materials, but because they will be used with almost every patient, they should be easy to sterilize. Having clear, easy to read markings is also important. Every hygiene department uses periodontal probes of one kind or another, so be sure to find a model that is comfortable for both clinicians and patients.