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Dental technology

Electronic Periodontal Probe

Gum pocket depth and margin measurements can be recorded digitally with controlled probing force.

[3]

The short answer

An electronic periodontal probe records periodontal measurements with controlled force and digital storage to support assessment of gum health.

[3]
Electronic Periodontal Probe dental educational illustration

What is an electronic periodontal probe?

Parts of a computerized periodontal probe
PartFunction
Probe handpieceCarries out the periodontal measurement.[2][3]
Digital readout and computerDisplays, stores and analyses recorded data.[2][3]

[2][3]

Measurements recorded in periodontal assessment
MeasurementMeaning in the assessment
Pocket depthA periodontal parameter measured by the probe.[2]
Gingival marginA periodontal parameter measured by the probe.[2]

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How is it used?

The probe measures pocket depth and gingival margins during periodontal assessment, with the recorded measurements sent to a computer for storage and analysis.

[2]

What are its limits?

Electronic and manual probes showed a mean pocket-depth difference of 0.38 mm in one randomized study, while the gingival-margin difference was 0.07 mm and was not statistically significant.

[1][2][3]

How is it different from a manual probe?

A manual probe depends on millimetre markings, pressure and visual readout. An electronic probe aims to standardise pressure and objectify the recording process.

[2][3]

Will the measurement feel different?

In the randomized comparison, time needed and patients' pain sensitivity did not differ significantly between the electronic and manual probes.

[1][2][3]

What makes the measurements useful?

The Florida probe records to 0.1 mm, uses constant probing force and avoids errors caused by visually reading probe markings and calling the result to an assistant.

[3]

Frequently asked questions

Is an electronic periodontal probe less painful than a manual probe?

The randomized comparison found no statistically significant difference in pain sensitivity between the two probes.

[1][2][3]

Keep reading

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