Periodontal Probing: A Review

Abstract

Periodontal probes are the main instruments that are used to assess the status of the periodontium, either for screening purposes or to evaluate periodontal changes throughout the treatment process. With increased knowledge and understanding of periodontal disease, the probes have evolved from a unidimensional manual shape into a more sophisticated computerised instrument. This is due to the need to increase the accuracy and reproducibility of readings and to improve efficiency (time, effort, money). Each probe has characteristic features that makes it unique and, in some cases, specific and limited to use. The aim of this paper is to present a brief introduction to periodontal disease and the methodology of measuring it, followed by probing limitations. The paper will also discuss the methodology of reducing probing error, examiner calibration and probing reproducibility.

From manual periodontal probing to digital 3‐D imaging to endoscopic capillaroscopy: Recent advances in periodontal disease diagnosis

“…Periodontal pockets are clinically assessed using a calibrated thin metal dental instrument called a periodontal probe (Table ). The periodontal probe, marked in mm, is inserted into the gingival sulcus or pocket between the gums (gingiva) and the tooth root, and advanced to the base of the pocket until resistance is met by the first intact collagen fibers . Periodontal pocket depth measurements are commonly performed at 6 sites at each tooth yielding up to 192 sites to be measured if all teeth are present.…”

“…However, probing errors resulting from data readout, and recording, and estimation of attachment level can be encountered. Moreover, the lack of tactile sensation is another limitation; moreover, the probe tip may pass beyond the junctional epithelium in inflamed sites …”

“…Thus, the accuracy and reproducibility of periodontal probing measurements is affected. Additionally, these techniques do not provide 3‐D information about the disease …”

“…The periodontal probe, marked in mm, is inserted into the gingival sulcus or pocket between the gums (gingiva) and the tooth root, and advanced to the base of the pocket until resistance is met by the first intact collagen fibers. 10 Periodontal pocket depth measurements are commonly performed at 6 sites at each tooth yielding up to 192 sites to be measured if all teeth are present. First generation or conventional or manual probes include Williams periodontal probe, 11,12 the World Health Organization probe, 13 University of Michigan "O" probe, 14 University of North Carolina 15 and Goldman-Fox probe.…”

“…Moreover, the lack of tactile sensation is another limitation; moreover, the probe tip may pass beyond the junctional epithelium in inflamed sites. 10,30…”