A comparison of root surface instrumentation using two piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers and a hand scaler in vivo.
OBJECTIVE
This study compared the effectiveness of two piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers and a hand scaler for subgingival scaling and root planing in vivo.


METHODS
Fifteen patients with advanced periodontal disease and with teeth scheduled for extraction were selected for this study. Three experimental groups of 10 teeth each were treated with one of two piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers [Vector scaler and Enac scaler] or with a hand scaler. Instrumentation was continued until the root surface felt hard and smooth to an explorer tip. The root surface characteristics after instrumentation were examined using scanning electron microscopy, and the amount of remaining calculus, roughness and loss of tooth substance were estimated using the remaining calculus index and roughness loss of tooth substance index.


RESULTS
The remaining calculus index did not differ significantly among the three groups. The roughness loss of tooth substance index was significantly lower for the Vector scaler and Enac scaler groups than for the hand scaler group and also differed significantly between the Vector scaler and Enac scaler groups.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that the Vector scaler produces a smooth root surface with minimal loss of tooth substance. It is a reasonable choice for gentle periodontal maintenance treatment.
Kawashima
H
H
Department of Periodontology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan.
Sato
S
S
Kishida
M
M
Ito
K
K
D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000628:therapy / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012534:Dental Scaling / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D016745:Root Planing / Q000295:instrumentation; D019237:Tooth Cervix / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*