Periotron Measurement

The periotron measurement method is used to diagnose inflammation of a periodontium (synonym: periodont, periodontal apparatus) by quantitatively determining the amount of fluid secreted in the sulcus (furrow between the tooth and gum). Its quantity is correlated (interrelated) with the degree of inflammation of the periodontal tissues.

Thanks to growing health awareness, early dental diagnostics occupies a larger space than it did a few years ago. Diagnostic measures refer not only to diseases of the teeth, such as caries (tooth decay) or erosions (loss of tooth structure due to acid action), but also to the condition of the periodontium. Here it makes sense to detect early warning signs of periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontium) in order to avert irreversible damage through closer follow-up appointments and intensification or improvement of oral hygiene techniques. Signs of peri-implantitis (inflammation of the area surrounding an implant) can also be diagnosed.

Before inflammation of the periodontium in the form of periodontitis can develop, inflammation of the marginal (edge) portion of the periodontium, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), first occurs. The amount of fluid secreted in the sulcus (furrow between the tooth and gum) increases with the severity of the inflammatory gingival change and is particularly informative in early stages of disease. In advanced periodontitis, on the other hand, the exudate (secreted fluid) decreases again.

Indications (areas of application)

The periotron measurement method for electronically evaluating the flow rate (amount) of sulcus fluid provides objective and reproducible results and is thus usefully applied:

• For early diagnosis of inflammatory disease of the gingiva (the gums) or the periodontium (the periodontium).
• In the context of follow-up and follow-up of periodontally diseased patients.
• As a convincing motivational aid in the patient interview to optimize the oral hygiene technique.

Contraindications

• None

The procedure

• First, the patient rinses twice with water for 10 sec.
• Any remaining saliva is spit out.
• After 30 sec, newly formed saliva is swallowed again.
• For 10 sec is rinsed with 3 ml of distilled water.
• Teeth are drained with cotton rolls to prevent falsification of the measured value by saliva drops.
• A standardized filter paper strip (periopaper) is used to measure the minimum amount of liquid.
• This is carefully pushed into the gingival pocket without causing pain until a slight resistance is felt.
• The exudate is absorbed for 5 – 30 seconds (follow manufacturer’s instructions).
• The filter paper is clamped in the periotron between sensors (condensing field), which directly measure the value of the dielectric constant, which changes due to the liquid.
• The electrical capacitance of the sensors of the capacitor increases with the amount of sulcus fluid.
• The digitally displayed numerical value correlates with the volume of fluid and the severity of inflammation.

Possible complications

Great care must be taken to properly dry the teeth to be examined, as saliva absorbed by the filter paper instead of the sulcus fluid may falsify the readings.