Calibrated probes for pocket depth measurement, charting and furcation examination, made in Williams, UNC-15, WHO, CP-series and Nabers patterns. Iron Art supplies distributors, importers and private-label buyers, with markings, tip form, handle, finish and packaging agreed against your own drawing or reference sample.
B2B · OEM · PRIVATE LABEL · BULK DENTAL INSTRUMENTS
A periodontal probe is a calibrated hand instrument placed gently in the gingival sulcus to measure pocket depth. The readings feed periodontal charting of pocket depth and attachment loss, and some patterns are used to check bleeding on probing and furcation involvement.
The patterns differ mainly in their marking sequence and tip. A Williams probe is marked at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 mm, with no marking at 4 or 6 mm. A UNC-15 probe is 15 mm long, marked at every millimeter, with color bands at 4 to 5, 9 to 10 and 14 to 15 mm. A WHO probe has a 0.5 mm ball tip and a band from 3.5 to 5.5 mm.
The markings must match the protocol your customers chart to, so we work from your drawing, sample or reference probe rather than the pattern name alone. See also our Gracey curettes and the wider range of dental instruments.
Confirmed against your approved drawing or sample before production.
| Product | Periodontal probe |
|---|---|
| Also listed as | Periodontal pocket probe, dental periodontal probe, periodontal measuring probe |
| Instrument type | Manual dental diagnostic hand instrument |
| Pattern families | Williams, Goldman-Fox/Williams, UNC-15, WHO / CPITN, CP-series (CP-11, CP-12, CP-15) and Nabers |
| Markings | Per pattern, for example Williams 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 mm; UNC-15 1 to 15 mm; WHO 3.5, 5.5, 8.5, 11.5 mm; confirmed from drawing |
| Tip form | Tapered, flattened or 0.5 mm ball, per pattern |
| Marking method | Etched, laser-marked or color-coded, confirmed per approved design |
| Configuration | Single-ended or double-ended, per approved design |
| Material | Stainless steel; grade confirmed in the agreed specification |
| Overall length | Confirmed from your reference |
| Tip diameter | Confirmed from drawing or sample before production |
| Handle | Diameter, profile and grip style per approved specification |
| Finish | To be agreed, for example satin or polished |
| Packaging and marking | Bulk, standard or buyer-branded; logo or reference marking by agreement |
These are the markings commonly used across dental catalogs. They describe how the patterns are organized, not clinical guidance, and the exact positions are confirmed against your drawing or sample.
| Pattern | Markings and tip | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Williams | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 mm; no marking at 4 or 6 mm | Traditional charting |
| Goldman-Fox/Williams | Williams markings on a flattened tip | Charting with a flat tip |
| UNC-15 | Every 1 mm to 15 mm, color bands at 4 to 5, 9 to 10 and 14 to 15 mm | Full-mouth charting and research |
| WHO / CPITN | 0.5 mm ball tip, band at 3.5 to 5.5 mm; clinical version also marked at 8.5 and 11.5 mm | Screening, such as BPE or CPI |
| CP-series | Color-coded bands on CP-11, CP-12 and CP-15; tip thickness and band positions vary by pattern | Charting |
| Nabers | Curved, usually double-ended, markings at 3 mm intervals | Furcation involvement on molars |
The final choice is a clinical decision. This is how catalogs usually match the patterns to tasks.
Probes that read in millimeters are used for full charting, where each site is recorded as a number. UNC-15 reads every millimeter; Williams skips 4 and 6 mm.
A 0.5 mm ball tip and a colored band show quickly whether a reading falls within a threshold range, which suits screening such as BPE or CPI.
A curved working end reaches into the furcation of a molar. Nabers probes are normally double-ended, with mirror-image ends for the two sides.
The two are often listed together but do different jobs. The difference is the tip and whether the instrument is calibrated.
| Point | Periodontal probe | Dental explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Tip | Blunt, rounded or ball tip made for the sulcus | Fine, pointed tip for tactile detection |
| Markings | Millimeter markings or color bands | None |
| Main task | Measuring pocket depth and charting | Detecting calculus, caries and surface irregularities |
| Quote by | Pattern, marking sequence, tip form and diameter | Pattern, tip shape and length |
Dimensions and geometry vary by maker. Use your approved drawing, sample or specification as the final reference.
Iron Art makes and supplies dental and surgical instruments for buyers who want a defined specification, a sample to approve and repeatable supply. See our OEM and private-label services for how programs are set up.
Send the pattern list, a drawing or a reference probe, and the quantities you expect to order. We review it against your requirements, confirm markings, dimensions, finish and packaging, and agree a sample before production begins.
A clear inquiry avoids assumptions. A photograph, drawing or your current probe is the fastest reference.
A straightforward route for buyers sourcing periodontal probes in volume.
Pattern and markings, drawing or reference probe, quantities, finish and packaging.
Specification confirmed in writing, with any OEM or marking options priced.
Inspect a sample against your reference before production is released.
Reorders follow the approved specification, including private-label packs.
Short answers on patterns, markings and supply.
A periodontal probe is a calibrated hand instrument that is gently placed in the gingival sulcus to measure pocket depth. The readings are used to chart pocket depth and attachment loss, and some patterns are also used to check for bleeding on probing and furcation involvement.
The difference is the marking sequence. A Williams probe is marked at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 mm, with no marking at 4 or 6 mm. A UNC-15 probe is 15 mm long and marked at every millimeter, with color bands at 4 to 5, 9 to 10 and 14 to 15 mm.
A WHO probe has a 0.5 mm ball tip and a black band between 3.5 and 5.5 mm. The clinical (CPITN-C) version also has markings at 8.5 and 11.5 mm, while the epidemiological (CPITN-E) version is marked at 3.5 and 5.5 mm. It is used for screening, such as BPE or CPI, rather than detailed charting.
A Nabers probe is a curved furcation probe used to detect and measure furcation involvement on molars. It is usually double-ended with mirror-image working ends and markings at 3 mm intervals.
They are color-coded periodontal probe patterns with banded markings. Tip thickness and the positions of the bands differ between patterns and between makers, so confirm the marking positions against your drawing or reference piece.
UNC-15 and Williams probes are commonly used for full charting because they read in millimeters. WHO or CPITN ball-tip probes are used for screening, where the colored band shows whether a reading is within a threshold range.
Confirm the marking sequence in millimeters, the position of any color bands, the tip form (tapered, flat or ball), the tip diameter and how the markings are applied. Send a drawing, photograph or your current probe so the markings can be matched exactly.
Stainless steel is the standard option, with the exact grade and finish confirmed in the agreed specification. Periodontal probes are generally reusable hand instruments, and cleaning and sterilization follow the buyer's own validated routine.
Yes. Logo marking, reference numbers and packaging can be agreed for private-label programs, and OEM work follows your drawing or approved sample. Quantities are discussed per program.
Include the probe pattern, the marking sequence and color bands, the tip form and diameter, single or double-ended, overall length, handle, material and finish, quantity, packaging and marking. A photograph or your current probe will speed up the quotation.
Send the patterns and markings you need, quantities and packaging requirements. A drawing, photograph or reference probe will speed things up.