By: Sheri Kay RDH
Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.org. Dr. Kay granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers.
Periodontal probing helps us to evaluate the health of the gingiva and the surrounding periodontium. A key component of doing an accurate assessment is the quality of your perio probes, which locate and measure the depth of the gingival recessions and periodontal pockets.
With an increasing percentage of periodontal disease among Americans, in order to increase the accuracy and reproducibility periodontal probes have evolved into more sophisticated instruments. They come in different shapes, sizes, colors, materials, ages, and markings.
Maybe this doesn’t seem like the worst tragedy in the grand scope of the world, and yet, having even two different probes in the office can set the stage for a lack of continuity in your patient diagnoses.
The Role of Perio Probes in Accurate Diagnoses
It does seem like there are as many choices in probes these days as there are stars in the sky, so how can you make the best decision when it comes down to buying?
Although I do recognize the need and desire to have options, at the end of the day I encourage you to consider which probe provides the LEAST probable chance of creating error. Although I have used (and observed people using) a huge variety of probes, my favorite by far is the UNC-15. Due to markings at every mm up to 15, there is virtually no guesswork in capturing and documenting data with a high level of accuracy.
As you make the decision of exactly which probe you will use exclusively in your practice, please also consider calibrating all dentists and hygienists on an ongoing basis. It is typically easy to notice that probing techniques will vary from person to person. Watching and learning from each other with the ultimate goal of having everyone in agreement about how you will probe is invaluable.
Comprehensive Periodontal Assessment
Accurate periodontal diagnosis is only completed when you do a comprehensive assessment and measurement of every sign of periodontal disease and document it in a chart for each patient.
The perio probe is designed to be used for measuring:
- Pocket depths
- Gingival recession
- Bleeding and pus on probing
- Width of attached gingiva
- Mobility and root furcation
If you wanna master periodontal probing, diagnosis, and the current staging system with an interactive hands-on course, consider visiting The Pankey Institute. They offer advanced dental education for hygienists and dental professionals, where clinical and behavioral science unite to enhance patient comfort and transform the practice success.
