There’s no denying that the mouth is one of the most sensitive parts of the body. However, the mouth is also a gateway for bacteria that settle in food debris between the teeth. Periodontal probing is performed at a dental visit, and for many, it is not a relaxing experience. As we will see, there are different types of periodontal probes, but in general we can say that a periodontal probe is a useful tool for assessing the level of infection in a patient’s teeth. Specifically, a periodontal probe is used to measure the periodontal pocket, which forms on the inside of the gum and can harbor large amounts of bacteria that can cause a number of serious dental diseases. In 1958, periodontist Orban described the periodontal probe as “the clinician’s eye under the gingival margin” and its use as a basic element of a complete examination in periodontics.
Periodontal probe: what it is used for
The periodontal probe is very useful in assessing the actual oral health of the patient. The process in which the periodontal probe is used is the periodontal examination, which, as we mentioned, is used to measure the actual depth of periodontal pockets and assess the actual level of infection of the teeth and gums. Not only that, the periodontal probe is also used to accurately measure the distance between the gum line and the base of the periodontal sulcus. But when should a periodontal probe be used? Usually when the dentist suspects a periodontal infection with bacterial plaque spreading throughout the patient’s mouth.
Periodontal probe: how to diagnose the disease
Having considered what a periodontal probe is, let us now look at how it can be used to diagnose the disease. If there are visual signs of bleeding gums, the dentist should treat the infected area with a periodontal probe. The dentist inserts a periodontal probe into the gum to determine the depth of the periodontal pocket by taking some measurements. The dentist will need to apply pressure with a periodontal probe to the affected area to assess the bleeding response in real time. The dentist may also consider taking x-rays to take a closer look at the bleeding in more detail.
Different types of periodontal probes
Depending on cases and situations, the dentist may decide to use one periodontal probe and not the other. For example, a millimeter periodontal probe has a round tip and a very light handle. For example, there is what is known as the Nabers probe, a dental probe that can measure extensive lesions around the teeth. It has a characteristic curved shape that allows easy access and does not damage the soft tissues of the oral cavity. There are three different models of this periodontal probe: Grade I, Grade II, and Grade III. In the first case, you use the periodontal probe to access 1 mm of gingiva, in the second case when you access the center of a molar, and in the third case when you want to go from one side to the other. Another type of periodontal probe is the so-called Florida probe. It is a computer-controlled probe that does the traditional job but with greater precision. With this periodontal probe, you can accurately measure the depth of periodontal pockets and assess bleeding or suppuration of gums and teeth. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to undergo advanced periodontal techniques and practice good oral hygiene to prevent bacteria from multiplying again. Informing patients about periodontal conditions is becoming increasingly common in dental practice, so innovation in this area is essential. Thanks to the periodontal probe, diagnosis has been optimized and is much faster as it is equipped with advanced software.
Advantages of the periodontal probe
The periodontal probe is ideal for automated evaluation of periodontal health, so its benefits are numerous. Above all, you can rely on automated and controlled measurements, and there is no longer a need for a hygienist to come in and document the measurements. The disposable hygienic measuring tip of the periodontal probe is calibrated so that the depth measurement is made with a pressure of 20 g. This provides more accurate results. This allows for more accurate, standardized and delegable results, even across different users. In addition, the patient does not feel pain when the periodontal condition is examined. In other words, all normal measurement procedures can be customized using the software. For example, the number of measurement points on a tooth, recession, and bleeding. Therefore, the clinic will not have to change its usual procedures. In addition, measurement procedures can be saved individually according to the user’s requirements.
Periodontal probing is a very important diagnostic examination and clinical evaluation using a millimeter instrument such as a periodontal probe. Periodontal chart shows the patient’s gingival recession in millimeters. This is a fundamental examination to understand the seriousness of the situation and to make treatment decisions.
