Probe tine diameter and probing depth

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of difference in tine diameter on probing pocket depth measurement. 2 sets of tines with Williams markings at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 mm, and with a “round” tip, diameter 0.5 mm, were compared. One set was described as parallel‐sided, the other as tapered. The parallel‐sided tine was almost parallel from the 10 mm marking to the tip (tip diameter x̄= 0.46 mm, 95% C.I. 0.456–0.464), while the corresponding diameter for the tapered tine varied (tip diameter x̄= 0.48 mm, 95% C.I. 0.473–0.489). Calibration markings appeared highly consistent with the expected value to within 0.01 mm. The tines were mounted in Brodontic handles at 0.25 N. Examiner probing repeatability yielded κ 0.86 for “parallel‐sided” and 0.81 for “tapered” tines in vivo. 412 approximal pockets were assessed in 53 patients with routine chronic adult periodontitis, mean age 42.1 years. Each site had a probing depth of ≥5 mm, P1I≤ 1, GI≥ 1, PBI≤ 1. Each site was probed 2 × with a 15‐min interval. At the first 251 sites, the parallel‐sided tine was used initially, and the tapered at the remaining 161 sites. Results indicated a highly significant tendency for the parallel‐sided tine to yield a deeper reading when a difference occurred. These findings indicate that with adequate training providing high examiner repeatability, one source of error in probing data can be minimised.