CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PERIODONTAL PROBE BEFORE AND AFTER STERILIZATION CYCLES AND WEAR TEST

Abstract

Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the structural characterization, wear and penetration tension of periodontal probes before and after sterilization cycles and wear simulation. Materials and Methods: nine North Carolina periodontal probes from three commercial brands available in Brazil (Hu-Friedy, HF; Millenium, MI; and Quinelato, Qui) were tested. Following initial evaluation, the instruments underwent sterilization in an autoclave for 60 cycles. Precision and sharpness of the millimeter marks and the shape of the tips were recorded before and after every 20 cycles using stereomicroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to assess topography. In vitro testing evaluated probe penetration tension. Scanning electron microscopy and penetration tension were performed before sterilization process. Statistical analysis utilized analysis of variance and the Student-Newman- Keuls test at a 5% significance level. Results: the results indicated differing probe tip shapes among brands, categorized as flame (MI), rounded (HF), and obtuse vertex (QUI). Morphology and tip angle were similar between HF and QUI but greater than MI. Laser mark sharpness varied among instruments, with QUI probes inducing the highest stress and penetration force in vitro. Surface morphology remained unchanged after 60 sterilization cycles and mechanical testing, though all probes exhibited superficial finishing flaws. HF exhibited the most precise millimeter engravings among the brands tested. Conclusion: tested probes displayed some finishing defects, with their shapes and sizes impacting probing tension, and Hu- Friedy probes demonstrating superior accuracy in millimeter markings compared to other brands tested.