Final answer:
A periodontal probe is the instrument used by dental professionals to measure sulcus and pocket depths as well as the level of alveolar bone loss, which is crucial for diagnosing periodontal diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The instrument used to measure attachment levels, sulcus and pocket depths, and alveolar bone loss in dental practice is called a periodontal probe. This instrument is specifically designed to assess the health of the periodontal tissues and guide dentists and dental hygienists in diagnosing periodontal diseases. Knowing the anatomy of a tooth is essential in understanding how these measurements inform clinicians. The teeth are secured in the alveolar processes of the mandible and maxilla, surrounded by gingivae (gums), and held by the periodontal ligament. As dental health professionals measure the sulcus and pocket depths with a periodontal probe, they can determine the health of these supporting structures and detect any pathological changes, including bone loss.
While the periodontal probe is used for these specific dental measurements, Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a diagnostic tool that can measure bone density. However, DEXA is not used for measuring sulcus and pocket depths or attachment levels in dentistry. Instead, DEXA involves directing two low-dose X-ray beams through the body and determining the amount of energy absorbed, which varies based on body content of bone, lean tissue mass, and fat mass. Mathematical formulas then estimate fat content accurately based on this energy absorption.