Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol 119, Issue 1, 147-150
Copyright © 1989 by American Dental Association
Periodontal probe use in general practice in Florida
PJ Heins,
WW Fuller,
and
SE Fries
College of Dentistry, University of Florida, JHMHC, Gainesville 32610
Use of the periodontal probe in 134 Florida dental practices was studied. Results indicated that 62% of the practices performed a complete recorded periodontal probing for new patients. Recall patients received a complete recorded periodontal probing in 57% of the practices at a mean frequency of 12.7 months. Selected site probing was performed in 22% of the offices as part of the new patient examination, and in 34% of the offices as part of the recall examination. In the examinations in 57% of the practices, changes in pocket depths were detected that could suggest changes in connective tissue levels.