Effect of different ultrasonography probes on intra and interrater reliability in periodontal diagnostic parameter measurements: a pilot study
ORAL RADIOLOGY, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s11282-026-00911-z
- Journal Name: ORAL RADIOLOGY
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
- Keywords: Gingiva, Interobserver variation, Intraobserver variation, Ultrasonography
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess intra and interrater reliability of real-time periodontal measurements using different ultrasonographic probes.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, four operators performed real-time B-mode ultrasonography on 12 maxillary anterior teeth. An 18-MHz linear probe was used for extraoral imaging, and a 15-MHz hockey-stick probe was applied both intraorally and extraorally. Gingival thickness (GT), gingival height (GH), alveolar bone crest-cementoenamel junction distance (ABC-CEJ), and alveolar bone thickness (ABT) were measured twice by each operator at a two-week interval. Intra- and inter-operator reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).ResultsIntrarater reliability of periodontal ultrasound measurements varied across probes and operators. The hockey stick probe demonstrated higher interrater reliability for GH (ICC = 0.452, p = 0.004 in extraoral application; ICC = 0.388, p = 0.015 in intraoral application) and for ABC-CEJ measurements (ICC = 0.441, p = 0.033 in extraoral application; ICC = 0.461, p = 0.086 in intraoral application). GT and ABT demonstrated lower consistency, with several non-significant ICC values. The linear probe yielded limited reliability across parameters.ConclusionOperator-dependent variability remains a major limitation in periodontal ultrasonography. Nevertheless, the extraoral application of the hockey-stick probe provided the most consistent reliability for gingival height and ABC-CEJ measurements, supporting its potential use in real-time chairside periodontal evaluation.