Introduction to Calibrated Periodontal Probes

Question 1

Define a Periodontal Probe

Answer 1

A periodontal probe is an instrument that is numbered in millimeter increments (calibrated) and is used to evaluate periodontal health.

Question 2

Describe the design of a Periodontal Probe

Answer 2

• It has a blunt, rod shaped working end
• Working end it marked with millimeter increments
• Can have a circular or rectangular cross section
• The working end and shank meet at a defined angle greater than 90 D

Question 3

List the various Functions of a Calibrated Periodontal Probe

Answer 3

• Measure gingival recession and attachment loss
• Measure the width of attached gingiva
• Assess bleeding upon probing, and presence of pus
• Determine the level of improvement in the periodontium post perio instrumentation
• Measure the size of intra-oral lesions
* Asses bone loss in the furcation

Question 4

Describe the WHO probe and its location of use

Answer 4

Shape: It has a ball ended tip, with incremental measurements. It is 90D to the shank

LOU: From the distal surfaces of the 7’s around circumference of every present tooth’s sulcus

Function: Used to record the S.B.I or P.S.R for entire mouth

Question 5

Describe the UCN12 probe and its location of use

Answer 5

Shape: 90D to shank. Has thick black increments which delineates every 5 mm.

LOU: Below the gum in every gingival sulcus around the circumference of every present tooth in the oral cavity. Also used above the gum to record recession of gums/ gingival overgrowth. And, measures lesion sizes

Function: Record periodontal pocket chart

Question 6

Discuss the purpose of a P.S.R

Answer 6

Periodontal screening and recording, is used as an early detection system for periodontal disease. It doesn’t replace perio charting, instead, it serves as a simple and convenient screening tool. It indicates to a clinician when s more comprehensive examination is needed.

Question 7

Discuss how a PSR is recording and the codes for PSR

Answer 7

All 6 areas of an individual tooth is measured. The deepest code for that tooth is recorded, then the greatest depth for that sextant is recorded. Start at sextant 1, then end at 6.

Codes:
Code 0: No bleeding, no calculus, black ring of W.H.O. probe is visible at DEEPEST pocket

Code 1: Bleeding upon probing evident, no calculus,, black ring of W.H.O probe is present at DEEPEST pocket

Code 2: Bleeding upon probing, calculus present, black ring of W.H.O probe is present at DEEPEST pocket

Code 3: Bleeding upon probing, calculus, black ring of W.H.O PARTIALLY PRESENT at deepest pocket. Perio chart now required in this sextant only

Code 4: Bleeding upon probing, calculus, black ring COMPLETEY DISAPPEARS at deepest pocket. Full mouth perio charting required.

Question 8

Differentiate between a P.S.R and Periodontal chart

Answer 8

For perio charting:
• Probing depths around the entire circumference of the tooth are recorded at 6 specific points
• Depths are recorded to nearest full mm, rounded up

But, perio charts note so much more:
• Suppuration (pus)
• Bleeding
• Recession
• Tooth mobility
• Furcation movement

Whereas PSR only record pocket depths within sextants.