Analyzing Equivalency and Accuracy of Three Different Periodontal Probes in Measuring Pocket Depth – An In-Vitro Study

ABSTRACTBackground The periodontal probe is an essential instrument designed for the purposes of recording clinical periodontal data. As such, accurate periodontal measurements remain a critical factor in providing individualized care to patients. The purpose of this study is to determine the compatibility and accuracy of three different periodontal probes on a periodontal typodont model.Materials and Methods Forty-one D3, D4, and DH students were randomly selected to perform a 6-point pocket depth measurement on the mandibular teeth of a previously verified periodontal typodont mounted on a manikin. Each measurement site was outlined with black marking on the tooth to facilitate consistent reproducibility in periodontal probe placement and angulation.Results Probing depth measurements between the UNC-15, PCP-126, and Disposable i-PAK® periodontal probe rendered an excellent equivalency (ICC = 0.960) with narrow CI (0.947, 0.971). There is significant difference among these three instruments in their capability to replicate the manufacturer’s suggested probing depth on the periodontal typodont (p