Multifunctional Periodontal Probes and Their Handheld Electronic System for Simultaneous Temperature, pH, and Depth Measurements

Abstract

Microscale temperature and pH sensors, contained within an area of 125 × 750 μm, were fabricated on disposable 3D printed periodontal probe tips (0.5 mm diam) with Marquis color-coded calibration marks using microfabrication and electrochemical methods. The probe tips were inserted in a reusable, wireless handheld electronic system that records the temperature and pH of specific oral sites such as a gingival sulcus. The linear response and precision of each sensor were tested in solutions of varying temperature and pH representing the physiological range of the oral cavity. The temperature and pH sensors showed linear response from 25 to 60°C (±0.1°C) and pH 4.0 to pH 8.0 (±0.1), respectively. A calibration function performed by the system software increased precision between probes tenfold for temperature sensors (deviation range: 0.69 to –0.07°C) and twofold for pH sensors (deviation range: 0.07 to 0.04). Wireless communication along with compatible software provides portability and facilitates chairside use. Simultaneous measurement of temperature and pH along with gingival sulcus depth may detect early signs of inflammation that current methods, such as probing and radiography, may not identify, thus minimizing potential tissue damage caused by periodontal disease.

Elevated subgingival temperature infers high bacterial pathogen counts in severe periodontitis

“…A more widespread acceptance of subgingival temperature diagnostics may also require improved thermocouple devices. A recently developed periodontal temperature probe includes wireless transfer of subgingival readings to interpretive computer software (Ritzert et al, 2022 ).…”

Design of Wet Media Digital Thermometer Calibrator Based on ATmega328p

“…According to ISO/IEC Guide 17025:2005 and the Vocabulary of International Metrology (VIM), calibration is a series of activities that establish a relationship between the value indicated by a measuring instrument or measurement system, or the value represented by a measuring material, with known values. related to the quantity measured under certain conditions [19].…”