Evaluation of periodontal probing forces

The purpose of this study was to evaluate interexaminer and intraexaminer probing force variations in various regions of the mouth and adjacent to different tooth surfaces. Fifty-eight dental clinicians composed of 13 periodontists, 15 general dentists, 15 hygienists and 15 senior dental students probed the facial surfaces of periodontally healthy volunteers with a modified pressure-sensitive periodontal probe. The forces used during probing were calculated and analyzed by analysis of variance and t-statistics. There was wide variation in probing forces used by individuals within each clinician group. No statistical differences between the groups in mean probing force or absolute range of probing force could be detected. When pooled data were analyzed, it was found that the clinicians: (1) used probing forces ranging from 5 to 135 g, (2) probed in posterior regions with greater force than in anterior regions, and (3) probed midfacial, mesial and distal gingival units with different force. Midfacial regions were probed with the lightest force and distal regions with the heaviest force.