DIAGNOSTIC TEMPERATURE PROBE

A periodontal probe has a probe finger extending from a handle to an L-shaped distal end which includes a probe stem portion adapted for insertion into a periodontal pocket and formed of a thermally insulative material. A temperature sensing element is mounted at the extreme end of the stem portion. Conductive leads extend from the sensing element, through the probe tip to the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor is a thermistor which, together with the probe stem portion, is sealed within an epoxy outer skin. The tip tapers so that the thermal mass of the probe in the vicinity of the sensing element quickly attains the temperature of surrounding tissue while minimally perturbing that temperature. The handle contains signal processing and temperature display units, and the probe tip includes graduations for indicating probe depth. Interchangeable sensor matching circuit elements adapt sensor elements having different characteristics to a common display driver.