Final answer:
In dental health, probing depths are used to gauge the health of the periodontium. Depths over 3mm may indicate periodontal disease, and abnormal findings necessitate further evaluation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When measuring probing depths in a dental examination, you're assessing the health of the periodontium, which is the supporting structure of the teeth. This involves measuring the distance from the gingival margin to the bottom of the sulcus or periodontal pocket with a periodontal probe. Typical probing depths range between 1 to 3 millimeters. Depths greater than 3 millimeters could indicate the presence of periodontal disease, which is a sign of a periodontal problem.
The sequence (facial, palatal, distal facial mesial) relates to different aspects of the tooth's surface: facial (front), palatal (towards the palate), and around the tooth. If abnormal depths are found in any of these areas, further investigation or treatment for periodontal disease might be necessary.