Subgingival access and artificial plaque removal by a sonic cleaning device

Area of Science:

• Dental hygiene
• Biomaterials science
• Mechanical engineering

Background:

• Subgingival plaque removal is crucial for periodontal health.
• Existing interdental cleaning devices have limitations in accessing deep subgingival areas.
• A novel sonic subgingival cleaning device with multiple bristle tip designs has been introduced.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a sonic subgingival cleaning device in removing artificial subgingival plaque.
• To compare the plaque removal depth of the sonic device's different bristle tips against a manual toothbrush.
• To assess the device's ability to access and clean the subgingival space.

Main Methods:

• A laboratory assay modified from standard toothbrush testing methods was employed.
• Three distinct bristle tips of the sonic device were tested on simulated subgingival plaque.
• The sonic device was used at a 20-degree angle, inserted 3 mm under simulated gingivae, with a 10 mm stroke for 15 seconds.
• A manual toothbrush served as a control, tested using standard ADA methods.
• Plaque removal depth was measured on pressure-sensitive paper under simulated gingivae.

Main Results:

• The sonic device's bristle tips removed artificial plaque at depths ranging from 1.9 mm to 2.7 mm.
• The control manual toothbrush achieved a mean subgingival cleaning depth of 0.6 mm.
• The differences in plaque removal depth between the sonic device and the manual toothbrush were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• All three bristle tips of the sonic cleaning device demonstrated effective access and removal of artificial plaque from the subgingival space in this laboratory setting.
• The sonic device significantly surpassed the plaque removal depth of the manual toothbrush.
• The findings suggest the sonic device holds promise for improved subgingival plaque control.