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Barendregt, D.S.; Velden, U. van der; Reiker, J.; Loos, Bruno G.

doi:10.1111/j.1600-051x.1997.tb00494.x

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 2 publications

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“…The degree of probe tip penetration may be influenced by factors such as thickness of the probe, pressure applied, tooth contour, tooth position, presence of calculus, degree of periodontal inflammation, and the actual level of connective tissue fibers. [13][14][15][16][17][18] As a result, probing measurements may overestimate attachment loss by as much as 2 mm in untreated sites, while underestimating attachment loss by an even greater margin following treatment. 19,20 The development of automated, controlled force probes has reduced some of the operatorrelated error and subjectivity inherent in manual probing techniques.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrasonic device for measuring periodontal attachment levels

Lynch

Hinders

2002

Review of Scientific Instruments

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Periodontal disease is manifested clinically by a degradation of the ligament that attaches the tooth to the bone. The most widely used diagnostic tool for assessment of periodontal diseases, measurement of periodontal attachment loss with a manual probe, may overestimate attachment loss by as much as 2 mm in untreated sites, while underestimating attachment loss by an even greater margin following treatment. Manual probing is also invasive, which causes patient discomfort. This work describes the development and testing of an ultrasonographic periodontal probe designed to replace manual probing. It uses a thin stream of water to project an ultrasonic beam into the periodontal pocket, and then measures echoes off features within the pocket. To do so, the ultrasonic beam must be narrowed from 2 (the diameter of the transducer) to 0.5 mm (the approximate width of the periodontal pocket at the gingival margin). The proper choice of transducer frequency, the proper method for controlling water flow from the probe, and a model for interpreting these echoes are also addressed. Initial results indicate that the device measures echoes from the hard tissue of the tooth surface, and that the periodontal attachment level can be inferred from these echoes.

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