Probe tine diameter and probing depth

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Abstract
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 mean = 0.46 mm, 95% C.I. 0.456-0.464), while the corresponding diameter for the tapered tine varied (tip diameter mean = 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 kappa 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 greater than or equal to 5 mm, PlI less than or equal to 1, GI less than or equal to 1, PBI less than or equal to 1. Each site was probed 2x 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.