title: Plaque removal with variable instrumentation.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental plaque removal in a normal healthy mouth, during routine oral hygiene appointments using different techniques and without the use of any disclosing agents. 12 dental hygienists, randomly selected from a continuing education course, were asked to perform oral hygiene on the same patient to remove all the supra-gingival plaque without any time restriction and without the use of a disclosing agents. The plaque index score (O'Leary) was assessed before and after each session with the use of fluorescine and UV light source by an independent examiner. 3 groups of instruments were utilized: group A: ultrasonic scalers + prophy cups; group B: ultrasonic scalers + prophy cups + dental floss; group C: Gracey curettes + prophy cups. While no group was able to remove all the plaque, groups B and C performed significantly better.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Surgery, University of Bologna, School of Dentistry, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Checchi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Forteleoni
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Pelliccioni
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Loriga
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003475:Curettage / Q000295:instrumentation; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012534:Dental Scaling / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D019793:Fluorescein; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D019793:Fluorescein