Machines in periodontics.

The use of machines to assist the clinician in the assessment of periodontal support is not new. However, in the past five years great strides have been made in the use of electronics and computers to assist in the performance of routine tasks for the detection and diagnosis of periodontal diseases. The purpose of this paper is to review, compare and contrast three electronic periodontal probes which represent a range of technological complexity. The fundamental principles underlying these instruments and possible roles in practice will be outlined. Other technologies, such as digital subtraction radiography, direct digital radiography and tests for periodontal disease activity, will be briefly addressed.