Periodontal probe precision using four different periodontal probes
The aim of the present experiment was to compare the relative intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility of probing pocket depth measurement of four different periodontal probes: (1) the Hu-Friedy probe, a manual probe; (2) the Vivacare TPS probe, a plastic manual probe; (3) the Vine Valley probe, an electronic probe; and (4) the Peri Probe Comp, a computerized electronic probe. Duplicate probing was conducted by two examiners in 10 patients on three index teeth, one molar, one premolar, and one incisor. Results show that the manual probe had the lowest degree of variation. The manual and Peri Probe Comp frequently recorded deeper probing pocket depths than the Tand Vine Valley probes. [S.L.]
Mayfield, L., G. Bratthall, and R. Attstrom, J Clin Periodont, 23:76,1996