The effectiveness of a novel optical probe in subgingival calculus detection

:  Objectives:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel optical calculus detection system under in vivo conditions. Methods:  One hundred and seventy-six tooth surfaces from 44 adult teeth that were indicated for extraction were selected for the present study. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the two experimental groups. In group A (n = 96), clinical presence or absence of subgingival calculus deposits was determined using the light-emitting diode-based optical probe (OP). In group B (n = 80), the subgingival deposits were first recorded with the OP followed by root surface debridement until no subgingival deposits could be detected by the devi…