The accuracy of the Vivacare true pressure-sensitive periodontal probe system in terms of probing force.
BACKGROUND
The Hunter TPS Vivacare periodontal probe was invented to perform consistent, accurate and reliable periodontal examinations "with controlled pressures".


OBJECTIVE
The aims of the present investigation are 3: (1) what is the accuracy of the probing force when various probe heads are used in a correct operation position; (2) what is the effect of over- and under-reading of the operation position on the probing force; (3) what is the accuracy of the probing force when different probe handles are used. The Hunter TPS probe consists of a tip connected to a special spring mechanism, which controls the pressure extended to the probe tip. According to the manufacturer, the force indicator lines coincide at approximately 20 g force.


METHODS
The test apparatus consisted of an electronic balance, and an electronic caliper. 12 TPS probes tips and 3 handles were selected to test whether there were differences in force between probes. Each probe tip was adapted to the same handle and tested 10 times. In a 2nd test, the TPS handles and over-, accurate-, and under-readings were analyzed as to how they affect the probing force. The 12 TPS probe tips were connected to each of the 3 handles and tested 10x for each of 3 handles and levels.


RESULTS
The range in force between TPS probe tips was 8.4 g (p<0.001). For the handles as well as for each of the readings of the operating positions, the differences were small and non-significant. However, between over- and under-readings, there were statistical significant differences.


CONCLUSIONS
The conclusion is that the variation in force between probe tips is high and always above the manufacturer's "approximately" 20 g. As long as the same handle and the same probe tip are used together, and the examiner is reading the markings correct, the TPS probe is adequate.
Bergenholtz
A
A
Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. bergenholtz@telia.com
al-Harbi
N
N
al-Hummayani
F M
FM
Anton
P
P
al-Kahtani
S
S
D004582:Electronics, Medical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000145:classification*; D010517:Periodontics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011312:Pressure; D015203:Reproducibility of Results