ISSN:
1600-051X
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the effect of difference in tine diameter on probing pocket depth measurement. 2 sets of tines with Williams markings at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 mm, and with a “round” tip, diameter 0.5 mm, were compared. One set was described as parallel-sided, the other as tapered. The parallel-sided tine was almost parallel from the 10 mm marking to the tip (tip diameter x̄= 0.46 mm, 95% C.I. 0.456–0.464), while the corresponding diameter for the tapered tine varied (tip diameter x̄= 0.48 mm, 95% C.I. 0.473–0.489). Calibration markings appeared highly consistent with the expected value to within 0.01 mm. The tines were mounted in Brodontic handles at 0.25 N. Examiner probing repeatability yielded κ 0.86 for “parallel-sided” and 0.81 for “tapered” tines in vivo. 412 approximal pockets were assessed in 53 patients with routine chronic adult periodontitis, mean age 42.1 years. Each site had a probing depth of ≥5 mm, P1I≤ 1, GI≥ 1, PBI≤ 1. Each site was probed 2 × with a 15-min interval. At the first 251 sites, the parallel-sided tine was used initially, and the tapered at the remaining 161 sites. Results indicated a highly significant tendency for the parallel-sided tine to yield a deeper reading when a difference occurred. These findings indicate that with adequate training providing high examiner repeatability, one source of error in probing data can be minimised.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-051X.1992.tb00648.x
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