Effect of Sterilization on Different Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs Probe Ball Dimension: An Analytical Study

Abstract

Background: Quantification of disease is an important procedure for an appropriate planning. Periodontal pocket determination helps to measure the extent and severity of periodontal disease. Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) periodontal probe and its ball dimension are very important in true estimation of disease. Methodology: Probe 1, Probe 2, and Probe 3 ball dimensions were measured from baseline after subjecting to autoclaving, microwave, and Korsolex sterilization. Rapid I Vision Measuring System was used to measure the ball dimension. The CPITN probe ball dimensions were measured at baseline, 10th, 20th, and 40th cycles of different sterilization methods. Results: CPITN ball dimension of different brands did not meet the World Health Organization specifications before the start of the study, and there was a linear and gradual reduction in ball dimension of all the probes after each cycle of sterilization. There was a reduction in the dimensions after the 20th cycle of sterilization. Probe 1 had better dimensional stability, and Korsolex solution had the least effect on ball dimension in all the probes. Conclusion: CPITN probe should be discontinued after the 40th cycle of sterilization in order to avoid inaccurate diagnosis, and in field surveys, Korsolex solution could be recommended to increase the longevity of the probe.