Depth-force patterns of periodontal probing. Attachment-gain in relation to probing force

It was the purpose of this study to determine whether probing force had an influence on the amount of clinical attachment-gain assessed after treatment by scaling and rootplaning. A probing device was constructed which allowed simultaneous monitoring of probing force and probe penetration and which standardized the insertion pathway for repeated measurements. In 10 periodontal patients, 2 deep pockets were selected which were measured before and after periodontal treatment by scaling and root-planing. Depth-force plots were compared by superimposition. Depth values were determined at 5 different force levels (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 N) on each plot and changes of clinical attachment levels were calculated. A significant relationship was seen between probing force and attachment level. The values obtained with 0.25 N were significantly different from the values obtained with higher forces (p less than 0.001). Slight, but non-significant differences were noted in the amount of attachment-gain obtained at the 5 force levels. At a probing force level of 0.25 N, there was 0.80 mm mean attachment gain. With 0.50 N, there was a gain of 0.70 mm; with 0.75 N the gain amounted to 0.67 mm in mean. At 1.00 N and at 1.25 N, a gain of 0.66 mm was recorded.