Comparison of two different probing systems for evaluation of bleeding on probing (BOP)

Abstract

: Bleeding on probing (BOP) is the best documented parameter in the monitoring of periodontal health and inflammation of the gingival tissues. It is measured as bleeding provoked by applying a probe to the bottom of a sulcus/pocket. Since BoP may be provoked by trauma to the tissues using a periodontal probe hence, probing pressure can be considered as an important factor in the assessment of bleeding on probing. The purpose of the study was to evaluate bleeding on probing by conventional probe and pressure sensitive probe. : 50 subjects (1400 sites) in this split mouth study were evaluated for bleeding on probing by using a conventional periodontal probe and a manual pressure sensitive probe. Gingival Bleeding Index (Ainamo and Bay 1975) was used in the study for assessment of BOP. : More bleeding sites were found in the quadrant associated with the conventional probe as compared to the sites associated with pressure sensitive probe. : Amount of pressure applied during probing can be a significant factor in assessment the periodontal disease activity.