Effects and efficiency of various powers of ultrasonic subgingival work tip on dental root surface A scanning electron microscopic study

Xiaofei YU; Jing DENG

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Excessive residue of dental calculus and dental plaque and scratch of Instruments on dental root surface will cause rough root surface, which will accelerate accumulation of dental calculus and dental plaque. Improved scaling can solve this problem, but the operation of ultrasonic subgingival scaling is not regular by some clinical physicians.

OBJECTIVE:

To study the effect on the root surfaces and the work efficacy following ultrasonic subgingival scaling with different output power and different parts of work tip.DESIGN, TIME AND

SETTING:

The comparison observational study was performed at the Laboratory of Medical College of Qingdao University from March to May 2009.MATERIALS Twenty root surfaces from ten teeth extracted for severe periodontal diseases were selected, and the volume of dental calculus was basically equal. Ex vivo teeth were obtained from two male patients aged 40-50 years.

METHODS:

Twenty root surfaces were randomly divided into group A or group B, the high power was set as "3" gear (group A), and the low power was set as "1" gear (group B), using the side (group A1 and B1) and the top (group A2 and B2) of work tip. The time for scaling was recorded and the surface feature of all the specimens was observed under scanning electron microscope(SEM).MAIN OUTCOME

MEASURES:

Changes in root surface structure were observed.

RESULTS:

The damage of root surfaces in groups A1 and B1 was less severe, while more in groups A2 and B2. There were less calculus and plaque residual on root surfaces in group A than in group B. Cementum exfoliation was observed in group A but not in group B. The operating time of group A was significantly shorter than that of group B (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between groups A1 and A2 or groups B1 and B2 (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Calculus and plaque can be cleaned more effectively and the damage is less severe by using the side of work tip. Although the calculus can be cleaned more rapidly by using higher power set, the damage is more severe.