A periodontal probe is the cheapest instrument in any dental clinic — and arguably the most diagnostically valuable. Pocket depths, attachment loss, bleeding indices, furcation involvement: every periodontal decision starts with a probe reading.
The trick: there isn't one universal probe. Five patterns dominate, each calibrated for a different reading. Below, what each probe measures and how to build a balanced charting kit.
TL;DR
UNC-15 = 1mm markings to 15mm. Best for detailed pocket charting. Williams = traditional 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10mm markings. WHO/CPITN = 0.5mm ball end + colour band 3.5–5.5mm. Used for screening (BPE/CPI). Naber's = curved, used to measure furcation involvement.
Probe pattern comparison
| Probe | Markings | Tip | Primary use | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNC-15 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5… up to 15mm | Tapered, pointed | Detailed periodontal charting | Comprehensive periodontal exams |
| UNC-12 | 1mm increments to 12mm | Tapered, pointed | Detailed charting (compact) | When 15mm is overkill |
| Williams | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10mm (skipping 4 & 6) | Tapered, pointed | Traditional pocket measurement | Practices used to legacy charts |
| WHO / CPITN | 0.5mm ball + colour band 3.5–5.5mm | 0.5mm ball | BPE / CPI screening | NHS/PHE screening protocols |
| Naber's | 3, 6, 9, 12mm (curved) | Blunted, curved | Furcation involvement (Class I/II/III) | When recording molar furcations |
| Marquis (CP-12) | 3, 6, 9, 12mm colour bands | Tapered, pointed | Quick charting (US standard) | High-volume practices wanting speed |
ErgoDenta periodontal probes
All probes are designed for the silicone-handled ErgoLite or ErgoX® system — pick the handle that suits your workflow.
How to build a complete charting tray
For a comprehensive periodontal charting tray, three probes cover everything:
- UNC-15 — for primary 6-point pocket depth measurements
- WHO / CPITN ball-end — for screening exams (BPE), and safer use in pregnant or paediatric patients
- Naber's curved probe — for furcation involvement on molars
Add a CP-12 if your charting software uses 3/6/9/12mm colour zones for fast reading.
Periodontal probe vs dental explorer
Probes and explorers look alike and often share one double-ended handle, but they do different jobs. An explorer has a sharp, fine tip for feeling: calculus, defective margins and surface irregularities. A periodontal probe has a blunt, marked tip for measuring: pocket depth and attachment level in millimetres.
| Dental explorer | Periodontal probe | |
|---|---|---|
| Tip | Sharp, pointed | Blunt or 0.5 mm ball, with mm markings |
| Job | Tactile detection | Measurement and screening |
| Common patterns | Explorer No. 23 (shepherd's hook), No. 9, No. 17, Orban, Holst | UNC-15, UNC-12 / CP-12, Williams, WHO, Nabers |
| Combined | Double-ended explorer/probe instruments such as Explorer 23 + WHO probe put both on one handle for the examination kit. | |
What does "UNC probe" mean?
UNC stands for the University of North Carolina, where the marking pattern was developed. A UNC-15 probe has a mark at every millimetre from 1 to 15 mm, with darker bands at 5, 10 and 15 mm so readings are quick to count. The UNC-12 uses the same idea over 12 mm. Both are used for full 6-point periodontal charting; the WHO probe remains the standard for BPE/CPI screening. See all probe and explorer names with pictures in our dental instruments names list.
Probe technique — short reminders
- Walk the probe in 1mm steps along the tooth circumference
- Apply light force of about 20–25 g (roughly the pressure that just blanches a fingernail)
- Read at 6 points per tooth: MB, B, DB, ML, L, DL
- Record the deepest reading per site, not the average
- For BPE/CPI use a WHO probe — the ball end stops you over-probing
When the probe lies — common pitfalls
- Excessive force → overestimates pocket depth (perforates the junctional epithelium)
- Subgingival calculus → probe stops short → underestimated pocket
- Inflammation → tissue is more penetrable than usual → can overestimate by 0.5–1mm
- Probe angulation → not parallel to long axis → falsely shallow reading
What is a periodontal probe?
A periodontal probe is a slender, blunt-tipped, calibrated dental instrument used to measure the sulcus depth around every tooth. Gentle walking strokes inside the gingival pocket reveal attachment loss, bleeding on probing (BOP), calculus, furcation involvement and root anatomy. Without accurate probing, no radiograph, AI system or laser treatment plan is complete.
The numeric markings on the working end are the heartbeat of the instrument. They must be consistent, readable at a glance, and resistant to wear — because every millimetre informs the treatment plan. ErgoDenta probes are produced with either precision-machined color coding (ground rings filled with black epoxy) or laser-blackened markings, both validated to survive thousands of autoclave cycles without fading.
Periodontal probe designs — a quick reference
Quality markings — what to look for in a probe you can trust
At ErgoDenta every probe is laser-etched with four non-negotiable pieces of information. When you pick one up, you see exactly what you are holding:
- Reference number (e.g. 1307X) — exact model and handle variant
- MD symbol — classifies the item as a medical device under EU MDR
- REF box — catalogue reference for traceability and reordering
- CE mark / UKCA / manufacturer mark — proof of regulatory compliance
All markings are laser-machined on the shaft, never ink-printed, so they survive the rigours of autoclave cycles, ultrasonic baths and chemical disinfection — lot after lot, year after year. For WHO, CP 2, CP 12 and similar calibrated probes, the measurement bands themselves are either precision-machined grooves filled with black epoxy or laser-blackened rings, chosen specifically to remain crisply visible after hundreds of sterilisation cycles.
Which probe is right for your practice?
General dentistry / screening
Go for the WHO Probe + Explorer 23 (REF 1309) or single-ended WHO Probe (REF 1057). The 11.5 mm ball-tip and colour-coded bands make BPE/CPI screening fast and safe.
Periodontal specialists / full-mouth charting
Choose the Probe CP 15 + Explorer 23 (REF 1312) for full-charting precision, or the single-ended North Carolina CP 15 (REF 1055) when you need millimetre resolution.
Implantology & peri-implant care
Ball-ended versions are essential. Reach for the Probe CP 2B + Explorer 23 (REF 1308) or Probe CP 2B single-ended (REF 1051), and a Nabers Probe (REF 1200) for furcation assessment.
Dental hygienists & high-volume practices
The ErgoLite X 9106 and 9105 are ultralight, colour-coded, fully autoclavable silicone probes — perfect for long hygiene appointments.
Eco-conscious clinics
The ErgoTip line — 150T, 155T, 157T — replaces the tip instead of the whole probe. Lower cost per charting, less steel waste, lighter autoclave load.
Build your perfect probing set today
Every probe above is in stock at our Taastrup warehouse with fast EU shipping. Need help choosing? Our specialists will match the right handle and tip to your clinical workflow — usually within 24 hours.
Shop all Periodontal Probes → Ask an ErgoDenta specialistFrequently asked questions
What is a UNC probe?
What is the difference between a dental explorer and a periodontal probe?
What's the difference between BPE and a full periodontal chart?
Can I use a UNC-15 instead of a WHO probe for BPE?
How often should I replace probes?
What's the best probe for paediatric patients?
Are colour-coded probes more accurate than markings?
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