The influence of probing force on the reproducibility of pocket depth measurements

Seven patients were selected on the basis of having about 50% loss of alveolar bone support in some part of the mouth. All patients received initial treatment consisting of plaque control and removal of subgingival deposits. In these patients, 102 interproximal pockets were measured by three different examiners, both with the pressure probe and a Merritt - B probe (Hu - Friedy). No specific instructions were given as to how the interproximal regions should be probed. Results indicate that a standardized probing force of 0.75 N does not lead to more reproducible pocket depth measurements.