Probe pressure at the sulcus of a pocket should not exceed enough to:

In assessing probe pressure at the sulcus of a pocket, it is crucial to ensure that the pressure applied does not exceed the threshold needed to feel the coronal end of the attached tissues. This is important for several reasons.

First, applying pressure beyond this point can cause discomfort to the patient and may even lead to tissue injury or inaccurate probing depth measurements. It is essential to maintain a delicate balance where the probe can provide necessary information regarding the health of the periodontal tissues without causing harm.

Furthermore, recognizing the coronal end of the attached tissues gives insight into the periodontal status and can help in determining if the attachment levels are healthy or compromised. This understanding is vital for diagnosis and treatment planning in periodontal therapy.

While feeling the top of the crestal bone is a relevant aspect of periodontal evaluation, it is not as critical as maintaining a gentle approach that respects the soft tissues. Balancing pressure between the fulcrum and the grasp, and defining the location of the apical and calculus deposits, are also important but do not take precedence over ensuring patient comfort and tissue integrity. Hence, the guideline focuses on the appropriate level of probe pressure to maintain the health of the tissues during examination.