Periodontal probing is the single most important diagnostic step in detecting gum disease early — and it is only as accurate as the probe in your hand. In this guide we break down everything you need to know about modern periodontal probes, the quality markings that matter, and how ErgoDenta's three instrument families — ErgoDenta Standard, ErgoLite X, and ErgoTip — cover every clinical preference from tactile classic probing to interchangeable, sustainable tips.
What you will learn in this guide
- What a periodontal probe does and why the markings matter
- The difference between CP 2, CP 11, CP 12, CP 15, CP 18, WHO, Williams and Nabers designs
- Single-ended vs double-ended probes — when to use which
- Why ErgoDenta's three ErgoHandle families (ErgoX, ErgoSteel, ErgoLite) change how your hand feels at the end of the day
- How the ErgoTip system saves money and reduces steriliser load
- ErgoDenta's quality markings, laser etching and compliance standards
In a hurry? Quick pick by clinical need
Not sure which probe is right for you? Start with what you do most often — the full guide is below whenever you want the full detail.
What is a periodontal probe?
A periodontal probe is a slender, blunt-tipped, calibrated dental instrument used to measure the sulcus depth around every tooth. Gentle walking strokes inside the gingival pocket reveal attachment loss, bleeding on probing (BOP), calculus, furcation involvement and root anatomy. Without accurate probing, no radiograph, AI system or laser treatment plan is complete.
The numeric markings on the working end are the heartbeat of the instrument. They must be consistent, readable at a glance, and resistant to wear — because every millimetre informs the treatment plan. ErgoDenta probes are produced with either precision-machined color coding (ground rings filled with black epoxy) or laser-blackened markings, both validated to survive thousands of autoclave cycles without fading.
Periodontal probe designs — a quick reference
The ErgoDenta probe family — three product lines, one standard of quality
ErgoDenta's periodontal probes are grouped into three dedicated families so you can pick the exact form-factor your practice prefers — all with the same Danish-engineered sharpness, balance and durability.
1. ErgoDenta Standard →
Premium stainless steel probes, single-ended (1050-1058) and double-ended (1112, 1113, 1200, 1300-1313). Available across the full ErgoHandle range — ErgoX, ErgoX Plus, and the three ErgoSteel variants (S, SS, SP).
2. ErgoLite X →
Lightweight silicone-handled double-enders (9104-9109). Ultra-light, colour-coded hygiene silicone, fully autoclavable, perfect for long charting sessions and hygienists.
3. ErgoTip →
Interchangeable screw-in working tips (150T-159T) mounted on a single titanium-core handle. Replace only the tip when it wears — not the whole instrument.
Double-Ended Periodontal Probes (REF 1112, 1113, 1200, 1300-1313)
Available across the ErgoHandle range — swipe to browse
Single-Ended Periodontal Probes (REF 1050-1058)
Classic single-working-end probes in five handle options
ErgoLite X — Coloured Silicone Probes (REF 9104-9109)
Ultralight silicone handle, autoclavable to 135 °C, tactile Nordic design
ErgoTip — Interchangeable Probe Tips (REF 150T-159T)
One handle, ten probe tips — replace only what you wear out
Quality markings — what to look for in a probe you can trust
At ErgoDenta every probe is laser-etched with four non-negotiable pieces of information. When you pick one up, you see exactly what you are holding:
- Reference number (e.g. 1307X) — exact model and handle variant
- MD symbol — classifies the item as a medical device under EU MDR
- REF box — catalogue reference for traceability and reordering
- CE mark / UKCA / manufacturer mark — proof of regulatory compliance
All markings are laser-machined on the shaft, never ink-printed, so they survive the rigours of autoclave cycles, ultrasonic baths and chemical disinfection — lot after lot, year after year. For WHO, CP 2, CP 12 and similar calibrated probes, the measurement bands themselves are either precision-machined grooves filled with black epoxy or laser-blackened rings, chosen specifically to remain crisply visible after hundreds of sterilisation cycles.
The ErgoHandle range — built around your grip
Probing is a high-frequency, high-precision task. Clinicians who spend 2–4 hours a day charting pockets or screening implants need a handle that does not induce pinch-grip fatigue. That is why every ErgoDenta periodontal probe is offered across three purpose-built handle families — ErgoHandles — so you can match the instrument to your own anatomy, sensitivity preference, and daily workload.
Tap any family below to explore the full specification sheet, or see all ErgoHandles at a glance →
All eight handles at a glance
Diameter sorted from slim to broad — pick the grip that fits your hand.
| Handle | Family | Ø | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ErgoSteel S | Steel | 6.0 mm | Lighter grip, delicate probing |
| ErgoLite S6 | Silicone | 6.0 mm | Soft slim grip, hygienists |
| ErgoSteel SS | Steel | 8.0 mm | Balanced everyday workhorse |
| ErgoLite S8 | Silicone | 8.0 mm | Warm silicone, balanced daily use |
| ErgoSteel SP | Steel | 9.5 mm | Solid, firm grip |
| ErgoX | Hollow | 11.5 mm | Effortless comfort, daily precision |
| ErgoLite X | Silicone | 11.5 mm | Flagship ultralight silicone |
| ErgoX Plus | Hollow | 13.65 mm | Our widest grip — zero pinching |
Need help choosing? Email our team — we answer within 24 hours.
Why ErgoDenta probes are trusted by European specialists
Surgical-grade steel
EN 1.4021 / EN 1.4034 surgical stainless with tempered, work-hardened working ends. Tips hold their geometry after repeated sharpening.
MDR, UKCA & ISO 13485
Full regulatory compliance under EU MDR 2017/745, UKCA for the UK market, and ISO 13485 certified quality management.
Ergonomic by design
Hollow handles keep mass ultra-light. Knurling patterns optimised with Scandinavian hygienists for all-day, pinch-free grip.
Long service life
Laser-etched markings, resin-filled depth bands, and corrosion-resistant passivation deliver 2000+ autoclave cycles without loss of fidelity.
Sustainable choice
The ErgoTip system reuses the same handle indefinitely — only the working tip is replaced. Less steel, less CO&sub2;, less waste.
Danish design, global support
Designed and quality-controlled in Taastrup, Denmark. Fast EU shipping, lot traceability, and direct clinician support on every reference.
Which probe is right for your practice?
General dentistry / screening
Go for the WHO Probe + Explorer 23 (REF 1309) or single-ended WHO Probe (REF 1057). The 11.5 mm ball-tip and colour-coded bands make BPE/CPI screening fast and safe.
Periodontal specialists / full-mouth charting
Choose the Probe CP 15 + Explorer 23 (REF 1312) for full-charting precision, or the single-ended North Carolina CP 15 (REF 1055) when you need millimetre resolution.
Implantology & peri-implant care
Ball-ended versions are essential. Reach for the Probe CP 2B + Explorer 23 (REF 1308) or Probe CP 2B single-ended (REF 1051), and a Nabers Probe (REF 1200) for furcation assessment.
Dental hygienists & high-volume practices
The ErgoLite X 9106 and 9105 are ultralight, colour-coded, fully autoclavable silicone probes — perfect for long hygiene appointments.
Eco-conscious clinics
The ErgoTip line — 150T, 155T, 157T — replaces the tip instead of the whole probe. Lower cost per charting, less steel waste, lighter autoclave load.
Build your perfect probing set today
Every probe above is in stock at our Taastrup warehouse with fast EU shipping. Need help choosing? Our specialists will match the right handle and tip to your clinical workflow — usually within 24 hours.
Shop all Periodontal Probes → Ask an ErgoDenta specialistFrequently asked questions
Are ErgoDenta probes autoclavable?
Yes. All handles — metal, ErgoX, ErgoX Plus, and ErgoLite silicone — are validated for steam autoclaving at 134 °C / 18 min, including pre-vacuum cycles.
How do I choose between CP 11, CP 12 and CP 15?
CP 11 (3-6-8-11 mm) and CP 12 (3-6-9-12 mm) are faster to read for routine screening; CP 15 (every mm 1-15) is preferred for precise research-grade charting and specialist periodontics.
Can I use the same handle for ErgoTip probes and curettes?
Absolutely — the ErgoTip handle accepts every tip in the range (probes, explorers, curettes, scalers). One handle, a full clinical kit.
What is the difference between ErgoX and ErgoX Plus?
Both are silicone-coated lightweight handles. ErgoX is Ø 11.5 mm, ErgoX Plus is Ø 13.7 mm — the "Plus" is ideal when you want the thickest, most relaxed, pinch-free grip possible.
Do ErgoDenta probes carry CE & MDR certification?
Yes. All probes are Class I medical devices registered under EU MDR 2017/745, UKCA marked for the UK market, and manufactured in an ISO 13485-certified quality system.
📞 Talk to a specialist
Email: info@ergodenta.dk · Phone: +45 5524 1100
Explore the full catalogue: www.ergodenta.dk — over 2 500 ergonomically designed dental instruments
Related reading & collections
About ErgoDenta ApS: headquartered in Taastrup, Denmark, ErgoDenta designs and distributes ergonomic dental instruments to dental professionals across Europe and beyond. Our Standard, ErgoLite and ErgoTip lines reflect a Nordic commitment to quality, functionality and sustainable instrument design.