Periodontal Probes: Types, Uses, and Modern Innovations

Periodontal Probe

Answer. Periodontal probe is a tapered rod-like instrument with blunt round working end calibrated in millimeter and color coding.

• Periodontal probes are used to locate, measure and mark pockets, as well as determine their course on individual tooth surfaces.
• Based on the type of probe, markings vary from 1 mm to 15 mm.
• Periodontal probe consists of a handle, shank and working end. The angled shank forms 45° angle with working end in relation to the handle.
• Thin narrow working end is placed slowly up to the depth of periodontal pocket.

“Benefits Of Using Modern Periodontal Probes”

Generations of Periodontal Probe

• First generation probes: Conventional probes or manual probes
• Second generation probes: Constant force probes or pressure sensitive probes, e.g. true pressure sensitive probes.
• Force 30 g probe tip remain in CEJ and force of 50 g is necessary to diagnose osseous defects.
• Third generation probes: Automated probes, e.g. Florida probe, Foster Miller probe, Toranto-automated probe.
• Fourth generation probes: Three-dimensional probes. These probes are under the development phase. Main objective of development of these probes is to record sequential probe position along gingival sulcus.
• Fifth generation probes: Non-invasive three dimensional probes, e.g. Ultrasound probe. They will add ultrasound or another device to fourth generation probe.

“Understanding The Role Of Periodontal Probes In Gum Health”

“Risk Factors For Improper Use Of Periodontal Probes”

Uses of Periodontal Probe

• Periodontal Probe measures the depth of gingival sulcus as well as gingival recession.
• Periodontal Probe leads to the quantification of bacterial plaque as well as gingival inflammation.
• Periodontal Probe determines mucogingival relationship.
• Periodontal Probe locates the calculus.
• Periodontal Probe identifies tooth irregularities and tissue characteristics.
• Periodontal Probe determines bleeding tendency and presence of purulent exudates.
• Periodontal Probe evaluates bone support in furcation areas of teeth.

“Can Periodontal Probes Detect Early Gum Recession”

Limitations of Conventional Probes

• Probing depth obtained by the periodontal probe does not coincide with histological pocket depth because probe normally penetrates coronal level of junctional epithelium.
• Reproducibility, which is correlated with variation in probing force.
• Intra and inter-examiner reliability, patient discomfort accuracy of probe markings and anatomical variation in tooth contour or position are some of the factors which are likely to influence clinical measurement of attachment level.