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

Background: Bleeding on probing (BOP) is the best documented parameter in the monitoring of periodontal health and in?ammation 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. Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate bleeding on probing by conventional probe and pressure sensitive probe. Materials and Methods : 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. Result : More bleeding sites were found in the quadrant associated with the conventional probe as compared to the sites associated with pressure sensitive probe. Conclusion : Amount of pressure applied during probing can be a significant factor in assessment the periodontal disease activity.   Keywords: Bleeding on probing, UNC­15 probe, TPS probe