A periodontal probe is provided for measuring a depth of a periodontal pocket using a touch sensor. The periodontal probe includes a handle with a probe tip for insertion into the periodontal pocket. The probe tip includes a touch sensitive reader located on or near an exterior surface thereof for measuring contact between the exterior surface of the probe tip and the tissue of the periodontal pocket. A touch sensor and a microcontroller are connected to the touch sensitive reader to measure the amount of contact between the touch sensitive reader and the tissue of the periodontal pocket, which corresponds to the depth of the periodontal pocket.