North-Carolina Periodontal Probe #23 handle #31 12-11-10....3-2-1

What is the North-Carolina #23 periodontal probe with handle #31?

The North-Carolina #23 periodontal probe, offered under the brand Hu-Friedy, is a manual diagnostic instrument designed for assessing periodontal status. It consists of a #31 handle and a specific working end. This device features a double end combining an exploration probe and a graduated probe. The graduation is continuous from 1 to 12mm, making it a reference tool for precise clinical measurements. Its structure is adapted to the requirements of daily practice in oral surgery clinics, allowing for rigorous handling during initial examination or therapeutic follow-up phases.

What are the clinical indications for this instrument?

This instrument from the brand Hu-Friedy is indicated for the screening and monitoring of periodontal diseases. It allows the practitioner to measure gingival pocket depth, assess the epithelial attachment level, and detect the presence of subgingival calculus or root surface anomalies. In implant surgery, it is used to check soft tissue thickness or the depth of drilling sites. The use of a 12mm periodontal probe is particularly relevant for documenting severe periodontitis requiring precise measurement beyond standard levels, thus ensuring a reliable diagnosis before any surgical intervention.

What are the technical characteristics of the North-Carolina probe?

The North-Carolina probe is distinguished by its specific millimeter marking: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12. Each millimeter is identified to provide an unambiguous reading of sulcular depth. The #31 handle offers a grip adapted to meticulous diagnostic procedures. This device, manufactured by the manufacturer for the brand Hu-Friedy, complies with the manufacturing standards for Class I instruments. The thinness of the working end is designed to penetrate the sulcus with controlled resistance, allowing for precise tactile evaluation of bone topography and periodontal ligament integrity.

What are the contraindications for the use of this probe?

According to the information provided by the manufacturer Hu-friedy, the use of this instrument is reserved exclusively for qualified healthcare professionals. There are no specific medical contraindications listed in the raw technical documentation, other than the usual precautions related to acute inflammatory states of the gingival tissues which could distort measurements or cause excessive discomfort. It is imperative to read the instructions carefully before use to comply with sterilization and maintenance protocols, in order to avoid any risk of cross-contamination or premature degradation of the Class I instrument.

What are the maintenance precautions for this non-absorbable instrument?

As a reusable and non-absorbable metallic instrument, the North-Carolina probe requires a rigorous decontamination and sterilization protocol after each use. The practitioner must ensure that the graduations are cleaned thoroughly to maintain optimal readability of the 1 to 12mm measurements. The integrity of the #23 end must be checked regularly to ensure the absence of bending or corrosion. Maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines guarantees the longevity of the instrument and the accuracy of periodontal diagnoses over time, thus preserving the reliability of clinical data collected during examinations.

Who is the manufacturer and what standards are respected?

The official manufacturer of this device is Hu-friedy, located in Chicago, USA. This product is listed as a Class I medical device. As such, it meets the regulatory safety and performance requirements applicable to this category of manual diagnostic instruments. Traceability and manufacturing quality are ensured by the manufacturer, guaranteeing that every 12mm periodontal probe delivered under the brand Hu-Friedy complies with the announced technical specifications. Professionals should refer to the instructions for use for any additional information on current safety standards.

State of the art

Specialized surgical instrumentation is evolving towards ergonomic designs.