Measurement of Pocket Depths Using a New Automatic Constant-Force Probe

application/pdfUsing a new automatic constant-force probe, the author measured the pocket depth for all surfaces in both arches in patients with periodontal disease and clinically healthy students, a total of 27 subjects. The results were as follows: 1. The time required for probing of all surfaces in both arches in the subjects was on the average 6 minutes 39 seconds ± 56 seconds. 2. The variation in measurements with the automatic probe was not different from that with the calibrated periodontal probe. 3. This new probe provided automatic digital display, print out, and a graph of the pocket depth by simply inserting the tip into the periodontal pocket. It was concluded that it was not necessary to read and record the measurement scale. In addition, It was easy to operate and could measure more accurately and faster than any other probe. This new probe is appropriate for routine clinical use.journal articl