Probing depth in periodontal pockets: In vitro evaluation of contributions to variability due to probe type and operator skill. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Erriu, Matteo; Genta, Gianfranco; Pili, Francesca Maria Giovanna; Barbato, Giulio; Denotti, Gloria; Levi, Raffaello
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Volume 229:Number 10(2015:Oct.)
• Page Start: 743
• Page End: 749
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Periodontal probe -- calibration device -- probe evaluation -- operator effect; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Medical instruments and apparatus -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1177/0954411915606170
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-4119

Abstract

Periodontal probing aims at detecting the presence, type and gravity of periodontal diseases influencing distance between gingival margin and connective ligament. Measurements in vivo are affected by substantial uncertainty, owing, for example, to probe features, anatomic variations and operator's skill. Inadequate reproducibility in periodontal probing may lead to diagnostic mistakes and inappropriate therapeutic decisions. In vitro evaluation of reproducibility of measurements of periodontal pockets was aimed at while developing a Periodontal Calibration Box designed to calibrate periodontal probe operators, catering also for simulating contraction observed in vivo. Probe type and clinical experience of operators were found to affect substantially probing errors.