Evaluation of the efficiency of 2 types of periodontal probing

Background: The periodontal probing has an important role in clinical examination of the periodontal status; different types of periodontal probes have been described. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate comparatively the efficiency of periodontal probing with conventional periodontal probe and electronic periodontal probe. Material and Methods: We examined 57 patients, each patient being subjected to conventional and electronic probing. We assessed the tolerance degree for each probing type and also the time consumed by probing and periodontal charting. Results: The periodontal probing with the electronic probe revealed superior results regarding the accuracy of the measurements, the tolerance level and the time consumed. Conclusions: The electronic periodontal probing is an exceptionally accurate method in establishing diagnosis and assessing treatment results. The electronic periodontal probe represents an efficient and useful tool for measurements of the gingival sulcus and periodontal pockets, and also for determination of the periodontal risk.