In vitro, clinical, and microbiological evaluation of a linear oscillating device for scaling and root planing.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to conduct an in vitro and short-term clinical and microbiological evaluation of a linear oscillating device for scaling and root planing (SRP). A comparison was made between conventional ultrasonic scaling (US) and hand scaling (HS) with and without chlorhexidine.


METHODS
In vitro, SRP was carried out on human teeth with calculus. Roots and cross-sections thereof were microscopically examined for the efficacy of calculus removal, hard tissue loss, and surface smoothness. In vivo, 11 patients with chronic periodontitis and single-rooted teeth in all quadrants with probing depths of > or =5 mm were selected. One quadrant was treated with linear oscillation and compared to US with chlorhexidine irrigation in the contralateral site. The other arch was treated with HS and compared to HS followed by laser disinfection. One hundred twenty teeth were assessed for clinical attachment level, probing depth, bleeding on probing, and suppuration at baseline and 7, 28, 90, and 180 days. Microbiologically, total numbers of bacteria and six specific periodontal pathogens were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction prior to and 1 and 28 days after SRP. Clinical and microbiological data were analyzed statistically with respect to the SRP method, patient specificity, and time effect.


RESULTS
In vitro, linear oscillation preserved more root tissues but left more calculus (P <0.05). Significant improvements of all clinical and microbiological parameters were observed for all groups. However, 21 out of 24 tests demonstrated that the clinical microbiological correlations between linear oscillation and control groups did not differ (P <0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Linear oscillation scaling was clinically acceptable and microbiologically comparable to the control groups despite microscopic remnants of calculus observed in vitro.
Rupf
Stefan
S
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
Brader
Iris
I
Vonderlind
Doris
D
Kannengiesser
Sabine
S
Eschrich
Klaus
K
Roeder
Ingo
I
Merte
Knut
K
D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000628:therapy; D012534:Dental Scaling / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000628:therapy; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000628:therapy; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D016745:Root Planing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014070:Tooth / Q000473:pathology; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002710:Chlorhexidine