Transgingival probing as a potential estimator of alveolar bone level.

The validity of using a periodontal probe for the transgingival sounding of the alveolar crest level has been demonstrated for buccal surfaces of the jaw. The measurements from the occlusal surfaces of the teeth to the estimated level of the alveolar crest using this technique accurately reflected the actual distances measured after surgical exposure of the alveolar crest at these sites.