What is the periodontal probe?
Periodontal probe is a tool used to help diagnose periodontal diseases or gum disease. The probe looks like a long, glossy metal stick whose tip in the shape of a needle is marked with small lines. This tip serves as a measuring tool. The dental hygienist slips this tool into the area or pocket between the tooth and the surrounding gums or gingival tissue. The depth of each pocket is then measured by reading small brands along the probe. It is difficult to diagnose the severity of the gum disease without passing around each tooth to check the range of damaged tissue. For this reason, the periodontal probe is sometimes called a periodontal explorer. In general, the deeper the probe slips into the pockets between the tooth and the gums, the more serious the gum disease or gingivitis in this area. This is usually also the place where the gums when brushing you bleeding.
When performing a routine dental test and cleaning, he is a dental hygienist who usually sees the patient first. Dental hygienicI are also experts who can even know more about the evaluation of gum disease than dentists. The hygienist puts an explorer or periodontal probe into each pocket of the tooth and then records these measurements, which represent a depth in millimeters (mm) that the periodontal probe drops into every pocket before contacting a solid, healthy tissue.
The view of the periodontal probe approaching the mouth can be intimidating for some patients, especially small children. Many dental experts are aware of this and ensured their business to the needs of family dentistry. Sometimes it allows the patient, especially the child, to touch the periodontal probes and see that the sharp tip is actually just a measuring wand, it can alleviate the anxiety surrounding the afternop. However, during the test, a demonstration model should not be used to ensure sterility.
periodontal probes come in different styles and are produced by many different erectionmunicipality. Dentists and hygienists often use a brand and style that adequately performs work and at the same time meets the needs of patients. Dental probes and explorers are made of stainless steel or surgical steel and must be sterilized among patients. Sterilization of dental tools is usually done by an autoclave, a small device that uses an intensively heated steam to kill microorganisms.