After cleaning, another detailed examination is performed. An instrument called a periodontal probe is gently inserted into the groove between the tooth and the gums. This groove is called the gingival sulcus. Important information about the health of each tooth and the surrounding gums can be determined by observing the depth the probe travels. If disease is present, the sulcus depth will either be too shallow, indicating that the gums are receding, or too deep, indicating attachment loss or overgrown gums. All abnormal findings are recorded in the pet's dental chart, where detailed notes are kept on the status of each tooth.