New Periodontal Probe Unveiled
Periodontal probes are used to measure both the depths around a tooth and the health of the tissue surrounding and supporting the tooth, known as periodontium. The probe itself is traditionally long and thin, usually with a hook curve. As such you can probably imagine (or know from first hand!) it can be very painful for the patient having a metal rod poked about in the base of their tooth.
The new probe developed by a joint effort from Implantium and Professor Iain Chapple, the head of periodontology at the University of Birmingham, has been given the exciting and memorable name of UB-WHO-CF15 Probe.
The problem with periodontal probes has always been both inconsistent probing pressure and the discomfort it gives to patients, but the new probe claims to solve both of these issues. This is done by creating a standardisation of pressure, simultaneously greatly improving the consistency of pressure, increasing the quality of measurements the probe can get, and decreasing the pain and discomfort suffered by the patient.
Because the periodontal probe needs to reach the edge of the tooth, where it meets the periodontium, it has always made creating a device to access it difficult, as Jason Buglass, director of Implantium explains, “by producing consistent measurement forces, more relevant comparisons can be made over time, in both the fields of research and standard monitoring. The design is ergonomic to reduce the risk of repetitive strain and the calibrated forces make it more comfortable for the patient.”
The probe, while being the final outcome of a joint endeavour, is originally the brainchild of Professor Chapple and Mr. Buglass greatly credits his work.
The UB-WHO-CF15 Probe is set to be a major boost to the future of periodontistry and many professionals are looking forward to its release. At a projected cost of £85 plus VAT, the new probe looks set to be a great success.
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