Evaluation of characteristics of periodontal probes

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the millimeter distances and active tip diameters of different periodontal probes. Methods: Two types of periodontal probes were analyzed (North Carolina (15-UNC) and PCP-12). Two manufacturers were selected for each probe type. Digital images of the probes were obtained and the distances were measured using a software program. The diameter of the active tip was measured using a digital caliper. Both variables were measured by two trained and calibrated examiners. The data were analyzed using the Bland-Altman method and two-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A comparison of measurements between the 15UNC and PCP-12 probes showed a significant difference in all millimeter markings. The 15-UNC probe showed differences between the 3 and 12 mm markings. The PCP-12 probe only showed differences between the marks at the 12 mm mark. The 15-UNC probe had a similar active tip diameter between the two manufacturers. The PCP-12 probe showed a significant difference between the two manufacturers. Both types of probes had similar active tip diameters when compared by the two manufacturers. Conclusion: There was no standardization in relation to millimeter marks and tip diameters of the two types of periodontal probes produced by the two different manufacturers. The probe types exhibited little variability

Contribution to the Viability of the DMF-T Simplification in Adults and Older Adults

Objective: To verify the validity of two simplified DMFT indexes compared to the full DMFT. Material and Methods: This is an exploratory observational validation study with sample defined by convenience of 88 adult and older adult volunteers treated in a university dental clinic. After calibration, two examiners performed inspection tests with application of the DMFT index. The average total DMFT was compared with crossed quadrants (DMF2Q) and DMF of the right and left sides by age and sex using the Wilcoxon test. Results: The mean age of participants was 42.2 years and median of 44 years, and of these, 53 (60.2%) were female. The analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the means of DMFT and DMF2Q indexes between sexes (males 16.1 vs 16.1; p = 0.87 and females 16.4 vs 16.6; p = 0.24) or between the right and left sides (males 8.1 vs. 8.1 p = 0.50 and females 8.3 vs 8.1; p = 0.99). In addition, no differences were observed between DMFT and DMF2Q in the age groups of adults (30-44 years 17.8 vs 17.4; p = 0.564) and older adults (60 and over 23.4 vs 24.0; p = 0.298). The comparison between DMF OF right and left sides also showed no difference between adults (8.8 vs 9.1; p = 0.134) and older adults (11.8 vs 11.7; p = 0.951). Conclusion: Data obtained were consistent with similar studies on the distribution of dental caries in quadrants, allowing simplifying the DMFT index for epidemiological estimates.