I WAS WONDERING CAN YOUR HYGENTIST PROBE STICK NUMBERS BE INACCURATELY DONE AND NUMBERED WRONG, THEREFORE CAUSING YOUR TOOTHN POCKETS TO BE MORE THAN THEY REALLY ARE?
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CAN HYGENTIST BE INACCURATE
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Generally, studies have shown standard deviations with probing (differences between examiners) can be around 1mm. Therefore, 2 practitioners can have slightly different measurements of your pockets depending on pressure used and angulation of the probe. Probing is only one part of the overall exam to reach a periodontal diagnosis; attachment levels, bleeding (inflammation), and radiographs (x-rays) need to be taken into account. In my experience, I have found that hygienists typically underestimate the probing depths.
Lastly, if there is tartar on the root below the gumline, the probing depth will often be underestimated as the probe hits the tartar and can't go past.
In most people, normal probing depths around teeth are 1-3mm (implants can vary but usually see depths 2-4mm but can be more depending on level of placement in relation to the bone). If the numbers are greater than that, you may need periodontal therapy on some level. If you are questioning the numbers reached, asked for a hand mirror and they can show you.
Lastly, if there is tartar on the root below the gumline, the probing depth will often be underestimated as the probe hits the tartar and can't go past.
In most people, normal probing depths around teeth are 1-3mm (implants can vary but usually see depths 2-4mm but can be more depending on level of placement in relation to the bone). If the numbers are greater than that, you may need periodontal therapy on some level. If you are questioning the numbers reached, asked for a hand mirror and they can show you.
yes the probe numbers can differ.The probing depth is on of many indicators for diagnosing periodontal disease.Clinical examination,xrays,.signs of bleedind on probing,attachment loss,mobility,need to taken into consideration.Calculus,root concavities,exostosis can lead to getting differing readings.Once all the factors are considered one or two pocket depth readings if not precise will not make much difference in the diagnosis.
Of course the probing depths can be wrong. However so can the radiologist at the hospital interpreting your pet scan. They are people just like you. They can make mistakes. That being said do they make mistakes at the thing they do all do every day? I would say rarely. Like all professionals we have a certification board for our licence and continuing education requirements to keep us on top of our industry standards as well as new innovations.
This comes down to a matter of trust ultimately. Do you have a relationship built on trust with this individual. Did you get recommendations and referrals. What does you gut say? All of these things are still relevant when dealing with health care provides as well. You must be comfortable with your health care provider they can't help you.
This comes down to a matter of trust ultimately. Do you have a relationship built on trust with this individual. Did you get recommendations and referrals. What does you gut say? All of these things are still relevant when dealing with health care provides as well. You must be comfortable with your health care provider they can't help you.
Yes, it is subjective on how far they are actually able to probe. If patients have hardened tarter it can create a ledge on the tooth and cause the hygienist to obtain inaccurate probiing depths. If you are in doubt ask the hygienist to show you how they are probing - we have an intraoral camera that can take photographs ask they probe.
To error is human. If you have any concern about the accuracy of the measurements go through the calculations with her and watch in a mirror to co discover exactly what there is.
Probing done by different practitioners can vary by about 1mm assuming that they are using accurate angulation of the probe. There is many reasons that probing can change from visit to visit but these are not usually dramatic changes if you are seeing the dentist and hygienist regularly. Increased tarter or time between visits may lead to different probing depths. You may show up with more inflammation on one visit and better oral hygiene on another visit therefore increasing or decreasing your numbers slightly. If all of your probing numbers are dramatically off and you have been seeing a dentist and hygienist regularly ( every 3-6 months) then you may want to seek a second opinion. If the probing numbers, x-rays and treatment plan of the second dentist or hygienist agrees with your first then you will feel more comfortable moving forward with treatment. Good Luck
Hygienists can make mistakes, just like the rest of us. There is a "normal" amount of difference in probing numbers from one person to another and that is usually around 1mm. Another factor that can cause an inaccurate number is if the probe is inserted into your gums at an incorrect angle. This may incorrectly inflate the numbers a bit. The other thing to consider is that your dentist does not just use the probing numbers to determine the health of your gums and if you have gum disease. Your dentist also takes into account the appearance of your x-rays and the amount of plaque and calculus you have attached to your teeth. If your hygienist is purposefully inflating your probing numbers, then that is against the law and I would hate to think someone is knowingly doing that.
Hygienist are human so are dentist. We are all prone to error. However, as stated by others, there are several factors which may lead to different probing depths. The difference usually is minimal/negligible. If it is a big concern make an appointment somewhere else and compare. Good luck
It sounds like you don't trust your hygiene care provider, your dentist, or both. You should find an office that you feel comfortable discussing these concerns with in person. If you are being told you have deep pockets and it turns out you have gum disease that goes untreated, you will see the symptoms go beyond deep pockets. If you don't have the pockets and are only being lied to, then you need to address that concern with a formal complaint to the supervising dentist. Again, the doctor/patient relationship is built on trust and you must trust you are not being lied to.