The Influence of Calculus on Initial Probing Depth

Objective: To evaluate probing depth (PD) measurements, using a conventional probe, before and after calculus removal in individuals attending a dental school in Makkah city. Materials and methods: In total, 82 individuals, aged 17 years and older, non-smokers, with no known history of systemic disease and exhibiting at least 20 remaining teeth, were included. The presence of calculus deposits during the periodontal examination was a prerequisite for enrollment in the study. PD measurements were recorded prior to and immediately after scaling by a single examiner. Results: The mean and standard deviation (SD) values of PD prior to and after scaling were 2.19±0.94 mm and 2.78±0.98 mm, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.001). Only 7% of the examined sites showed PD ≥ 4 mm prior to scaling compared with 18% after scaling, and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in PD values before and after scaling when the results were stratified by gender. Conclusion: A significant increase in the number of sites with a PD ≥ 4 mm was observed following scaling treatment. Calculus deposits could contribute to reading errors in the assessment of initial probing depth