Periodontal Probe Types: Markings, Designs and Clinical Reference

A periodontal probe is a calibrated, blunt-ended instrument used to measure the depth of gingival sulci and periodontal pockets. It is the primary diagnostic tool for assessing periodontal health and staging periodontal disease. For dental instrument distributors and wholesale buyers, understanding probe designs, marking systems, and material specifications ensures the correct instruments are supplied to periodontists, dental hygienists, and general practitioners.

What Do Periodontal Probe Markings Mean?

Periodontal probe markings are calibrated lines or color-coded bands on the probe shaft that allow the clinician to read pocket depth in millimeters. Different probe designs use different marking systems -- some use individual millimeter lines, others use color-coded bands at specific intervals. The most common marking systems in clinical use are as follows:

Types of Periodontal Probes by Marking System

1. Williams Probe

The Williams probe is marked at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10mm. This irregular spacing was designed to make specific clinical measurements easier to identify. The 4mm and 6mm positions are unmarked to allow quick distinction of healthy sulcus depth (0-3mm) from pathological pocket depth (4mm and above). The Williams probe remains one of the most widely used probes globally.

2. UNC-15 Probe (University of North Carolina)

The UNC-15 probe is marked at every millimeter from 1 to 15mm, with color coding at 5, 10, and 15mm. It provides the most granular pocket depth measurement and is preferred in research settings and periodontal re-evaluation appointments where precise measurements are critical.

3. WHO Probe (CPITN Probe)

The World Health Organization probe features a 0.5mm ball tip and is marked with a black band between 3.5 and 5.5mm. It is used for the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) screening, which classifies patients into broad periodontal health categories. The ball tip prevents overpenetration of the junctional epithelium.

4. Michigan O Probe

The Michigan O probe is marked at 3, 6, and 8mm with color coding at 3-6mm. It has a narrower diameter than the Williams probe, making it suitable for tight embrasure spaces and implant sulcus probing. Widely used in North American general practice.

5. Marquis Color-Coded Probe

The Marquis probe uses alternating color bands rather than individual line markings. The color-coded sections at 3, 6, 9, and 12mm allow rapid visual reading without counting individual lines, reducing chair time during comprehensive periodontal charting.

Periodontal Probe Markings: Comparison Table

Perio Probe Tip Designs

Beyond marking systems, probes differ in tip geometry. Tapered probes are the standard for conventional probing. Ball-tipped probes (such as the WHO probe) are used when tissue penetration must be minimized. Thin-diameter probes (such as the Michigan O) are designed for implant peri-implant sulcus probing where bulky tips would cause tissue trauma.

Wholesale Periodontal Probes from Pakistan

Pintech Instruments manufactures the full range of periodontal probes including Williams, UNC-15, WHO CPITN, Michigan O, and Marquis designs. All probes are machined from AISI 420 stainless steel with electropolished finishes and laser-etched markings for long-term legibility through repeated autoclave cycles. ISO 13485 certified. CE documentation available for EU importers. Minimum order 50 units per design with FOB Sialkot pricing.

View our periodontal instruments or request a wholesale quote for probes and scaling instruments.