Evaluation of the Periotest Device as an Objective Measuring Tool for Tooth Mobility-A Clinical Evaluation Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to allow researchers to evaluate the Periotest device as a reproducible tool that can be trusted to carry out accurately reproducible and comparable tooth mobility readings. Methods: A reproducibility test was initially conducted taking Periotest recordings for #16 every 10 min with 1 min intervals. Each time, three readings were recorded, and the average of the three was noted. This was followed by recordings for three different subject groups varying in age that were seen three times in 4 weeks, with 2-week intervals between each appointment; recordings were taken of #11, #13 and #16. Nonparametric analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was carried out. Results: For the reproducibility test, the values of all three readings for each recording session were either exactly the same or differed by up to +/- 2 Periotest value units. p-value results in the three patient groups showed no significant difference in Periotest values between appointments, with the minor exception of #16 in all three groups, but this was well within the limits of error of the device. Conclusions: Analysis of the Periotest readings in this study indicates that positive (higher) Periotest values correspond to increased tooth mobility.