Description and clinical evaluation of a new computerized periodontal probe‐the Florida Probe

Abstract

A new periodontal probing system has been developed which incorporates the advantages of constant probing force, precise electronic measurement to 0.1 mm and computer storage of the data. The system includes a probe handpiece, displacement transducer with digital readout, foot switch, computer interface and personal computer. A unique movable arm design enables the probe handpiece to maintain smooth operation and makes it easy to clean and sterilize. Electronic recording of the data (actuated by pressing a foot switch) eliminates errors which occur when probe tip markings are read visually and the data are called to an assistant. Computer storage and analysis of the data facilitates detecting changes in pocket depth and attachment level by rapidly comparing data recorded at different visits. The system was evaluated in 3 experiments using a 0.4 mm diameter tip and a 25 g probing force. The standard deviation of repeated pocket depth measurement was less (0.58 mm versus 0.82 mm) than that of a common probe. With paired readings referenced to an occlusal stent, the standard deviation of repeated attachment level measurements was 0.28 mm. A loss of attachment level was detected to a certainty of 99% with less than a 1 mm change. This is a significant improvement over common probes, which require a 2-3 mm change for equivalent positive identification of change in attachment level.

Evaluation of the efficiency of 2 types of periodontal probing

“…The results of the present study are consistent with a number of published data in the literature [6][7][8][9] . Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of electronic probing and the use of other probes in various dental sites (such as the furcation area).…”

Periodontal Probing

“…In response to the RFP, Gibbs et al (1988) developed the Florida Probe® system, which features constant probing force, precise electronic measurement, computerized data capturing, and sterilization of all system parts entering or close to the mouth. The system consists of a probe handpiece, a digital read-out, foot switch, computer interface, and computer.…”

“…Note that the correction implies a reduction of the degrees of freedom by one. For manual probes, published method errors for a single probing depth measurement range between ± 0.30 mm and ± 0.70 mm (Glavind and Loe, 1967;Haffajee et al, 1983;Goodson, 1986;Gibbs et al, 1988;Osborn et al, 1990Osborn et al, , 1992Fleiss et al, 1991).…”

“…By and large, what was said about manual probes also holds true for electronic probes. In fact, a great many studies were undertaken to determine the method error of second-and third-generation probes (Hassell et al, 1973;van der Velden, 1978;van der Velden and de Vries, 1980;Watts, 1987Watts, , 1989McCulloch et al, 1987;Gibbs et al, 1988;Goodson and Kondon, 1988;Magnusson et al, 1988a,b;Osborn et al, 1990Osborn et al, , 1992Becherer et al, 1993;Tupta-Veselicky et al, 1994;Wang et al, 1995;Mayfield et al, 1996). Single measurement errors between ± 0.2 mm and ± 1.0 mm were reported.…”

Comparative evaluation of accuracy of periodontal probing depth and attachment levels using a Florida probe versus traditional probes

“…The edge of the sleeve is the reference from which measurements are made and the probe has Williams' markings, however actual measurement of the pocket depth is made electronically and transferred automatically to the computer when the foot switch is pressed. 6 The Florida probe also can record missing teeth, recession, pocket depth, bleeding, suppuration, furcation involvement, mobility and plaque assessment. 7 Each measurement is recorded with potentially .2-mm accuracy.…”