Perio: Introduction to calibrated dental probes

Question 1

Define and describe the design of a Periodontal Probe

Answer 1

Periodontal Probes can be defined as an instrument that is
calibrated (numbered) in millimetre increments and is used to
evaluate the health of periodontal tissues
– They are an assessment instrument designed with
– a blunt, rod-shaped working-end that may be circular or
rectangular in cross section and is calibrated with millimetre
markings
– The working end and the shank meet in a defined angle that is
usually greater than 90 degrees

Question 2

List the various Functions of a Calibrated Periodontal Probe

Answer 2

– The primary function of a Periodontal Probe is to determine the
health status of the periodontium by measuring the periodontal
pocket around the circumference of the tooth
– Other functions are:
– Measurement of attachment loss
– Measurement of extent of recession of the gingival margin
– Measure the width of attached gingiva
– Assess bleeding on probing and presence of pus
– Determine the improvement in the periodontium post periodontal
instrumentation
– Measure the size of intraoral lesions
– Assess bone loss in the furcation’s (space between the roots of
teeth)

Question 3

List the various types of Probes and be able to describe the probes in your hygiene kits individual functions and locations of use

Answer 3

WHO= for PSR scores
UCN 15= Perio chart
Nabers= furcation

Question 4

Name several other calibrated periodontal probes

Answer 4

Question 5

Discuss the characteristics of effective probing technique “walking the probe” in terms of adaptation and angulation of the tip, amount of pressure needed, instrumentation stroke

Answer 5

Pressure
– Only use LIGHT PRESSURE. 25-50 grams of pressure is a
standardised measurement. Example – place the probe on your
thumbnail and apply light pressure until you see the tissue
underneath the nail blanch (whiten)
Parallelism
– The probe is positioned as parallel to the tooth surface as
possible. The probe must be parallel in the mesio-distal and
buccal-lingual dimension
Adaption
– The side of the tip (the first 1-2mm of the probe) should be kept
in contact with the tooth surface at all times

Question 6

Discuss the difference with probing interproximally compared to buccally/lingually

Answer 6

Question 7

Discuss the purpose of a P.S.R and how it is recorded

Answer 7

– It is best described as an early detection system for periodontal disease
– P.S.R is not intended to replace Periodontal Charting, but to serve as a simple and convenient screening tool
– P.S.R can indicate to the clinician when a more comprehensive examination is needed
– The A.D.A and A.A.P recommend using P.S.R at regular intervals as an integral part of oral examinations

Question 8

Define what a Probing depth is and identify the difference between a healthy and unhealthy probing depth

Answer 8

Healthy Probing Depth
– Probe inserted into a
healthy gingival sulcus, no bleeding
– In health, the probing depth should be from 1 mm to 3 mm in depth
– A probing depth deeper than 3 mm indicates a periodontal pocket
– Normally bleeding is present on probing

Question 9

Differentiate between a P.S.R and Periodontal chart

Answer 9

PSR: early detection of periodontal disease

Periochart:
– Not only periodontal pocket depths are recorded when doing a
Periodontal Chart
– What is also noted is:
1. Bleeding
2. Suppuration (pus)
3. Recession
4. Tooth mobility
5. Furcation involvement

Question 10

Describe the difference between Furcation Class recordings and define a Furcation

Answer 10

Nabers probe
Class 1 Furcation :The nabers probe is inserted up to but only reaches the end of the first 3mm marking

Class 2 Furcation : The nabers probe is
inserted up to but only reaches the end
of the second 3mm marking