Periodontal Probe Types and Markings

What Is a Periodontal Probe Used For?

A periodontal probe is a slender, graduated instrument used to measure the depth of the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket and to support consistent periodontal charting. The markings act as the clinician's scale, while the tip diameter, probe shape, and applied force can all affect the recorded measurement.

The right pattern depends on the task. Straight graduated probes support pocket-depth and attachment-level charting, screening probes use bands for rapid population or practice screening, and curved furcation probes examine the horizontal involvement between the roots of multirooted teeth.

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Williams, UNC-15, and Marquis Probe Markings

The Williams probe is commonly marked at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 mm, leaving 4 and 6 mm unmarked. Its abbreviated scale is easy to read for routine charting, but purchasers should confirm the exact graduation pattern because similarly named probes can vary by manufacturer.

The UNC-15 probe provides a 15 mm scale with millimeter graduations, making it useful when detailed full-mouth charting and deeper measurements are required. A Marquis probe uses color-coded bands at 3, 6, 9, and 12 mm, which can be faster to read but provides less visual detail than a fully graduated UNC-15 scale.

Marking visibility matters in daily use. Buyers should compare contrast, engraving depth, working-end straightness, tip consistency, and whether the markings remain legible after repeated cleaning and steam sterilization.

• Research on how probe markings affect recorded measurements

WHO and CPI Periodontal Probes

The WHO Community Periodontal Index probe is designed for standardized screening. The WHO specification uses a 0.5 mm ball tip, a black band from 3.5 to 5.5 mm, and reference rings at 8.5 and 11.5 mm. Those features distinguish it from a conventional Williams or UNC-15 charting probe.

Because a screening probe and a detailed charting probe answer different questions, a practice or school should specify the intended examination protocol before ordering. The probe name alone is not enough; the required tip and band configuration should appear on the purchase specification.

• WHO Oral Health Surveys: Basic Methods

Nabers Probes for Furcation Assessment

A Nabers probe has a curved working end designed to enter the furcation area of multirooted teeth. It is used horizontally rather than as a substitute for a straight pocket-depth probe. Some patterns include millimeter markings, while others use bands or an ungraduated working end.

When sourcing a Nabers probe, confirm the curve, graduation pattern, terminal-shank alignment, handle style, and whether a single-ended or double-ended design is required. A curved furcation pattern should be listed separately from straight periodontal probes in product data and procurement sheets.

• European periodontal-diagnosis consensus report

How to Specify Periodontal Probes for an Order

Write the complete pattern into the order: probe type, marking scale, tip form, handle style, finish, quantity, and any kit or cassette requirement. For example, “Williams periodontal probe, 1-2-3-5-7-8-9-10 mm markings, satin stainless steel handle” is less ambiguous than “dental probe.”

Practices often standardize one detailed charting probe and add a WHO/CPI or Nabers pattern only where their screening and furcation protocols require it. Schools and distributors should request a sample before a bulk order so faculty or clinical buyers can verify marking accuracy, readability, balance, and finish.

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