Probing velocity: novel approach for assessment of inflamed periodontal attachment

Little is known about the biophysical characteristics of the dento-gingival junction in response to the development or resolution of inflammation. The Toronto automated periodontal probe (TAPP) provides an estimate of the biophysical integrity of the dento-gingival junction by measuring intrapocket probing velocity. Presence or absence of a plateau in displacement versus time plots were used to perform dichotomous analyses as a function of established parameters of inflammation. Plateaus were operationally defined as a 3 standard deviation reduction in the slope of the displacement versus time plot (probing velocity) and hence the plateau represents an increased resistance of the probe tip at the dento-gingival junction. The aim of the study was to measure the relationship between post-treatment reductions of gingival inflammation and the probability of plateau formation as measured by the TAPP. Twenty-nine subjects exhibiting gingival inflammation were provided with periodontal therapy consisting of subgingival scaling and root planing. Over a 2-month sampling period, 6 sites from each subject were monitored and these sites exhibited wide variations of inflammation. Logistic regression revealed a significant relationship between the probability of plateau formation and treatment (P = 0.002), plaque index (P = 0.002), the increased severity levels of gingival index (P > 0.05), or bleeding index (P > 0.05). The probability of plateau formation decreased with higher levels of crevicular fluid flow but there was no dependence of plateau formation on probing depth (P > 0.55). These data indicate a direct relationship between improved measures of clinical health and increased resistance to probe penetration near the base of the pocket.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)