title: Patient preference for ultrasonic or hand instruments in periodontal maintenance.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if patients prefer ultrasonic or hand instruments for periodontal maintenance. A questionnaire of 13 items was answered by 469 patients in three periodontal offices. The results showed a strong preference (74%) for ultrasonic instruments. The possibility of increased compliance because of this preference is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Dental School, Texas 78229-3900, USA.
authors.forename: Lloyd K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Croft
authors.forename: Martha E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Nunn
authors.forename: Lana C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Crawford
authors.forename: Thomas E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Holbrook
authors.forename: Michael K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: McGuire
authors.forename: Mary M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Kerger
authors.forename: Gloria A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Zacek
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003762:Dental Instruments; D012534:Dental Scaling / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000523:psychology