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Clinical subgingival calculus detection with a smart ultrasonic device: a pilot study
Grit Meissner1, Bernd Oehme, Jens Strackeljan
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, Periodontology and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Unit of Periodontology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany. grit.meissner@uni-greifswald.de
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
|January 18, 2008
Summary
This study shows a dental ultrasonic scaler can detect calculus (tartar) on teeth in vivo. The device accurately differentiates calculus from cementum, aiding in preventing damage during scaling.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Technology
Background:
- Dental calculus, a mineralized bacterial plaque, poses significant challenges in periodontal treatment.
- Accurate detection of calculus is crucial to prevent iatrogenic damage to tooth root surfaces (cementum) during subgingival scaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vivo sensitivity and specificity of a surface detection system based on a conventional dental ultrasonic scaler.
- To determine the device's ability to differentiate between dental calculus and cementum during intra-oral scanning.
Main Methods:
- Subgingival buccal tooth surfaces of 63 periodontally compromised teeth were scanned intra-orally using the detection system.
- Supragingival insert positions and system signals were recorded, with post-extraction in vitro evaluation against visual findings.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of calculus on scanned surfaces was 22.3% (44 calculus spots).
- The device achieved 91% sensitivity and 82% specificity in discriminating calculus from cementum.
- Positive and negative predictive values were 0.59 and 0.97, respectively.
Conclusions:
- The surface detection device demonstrated clinical efficacy in differentiating calculus from cementum in vivo.
- This technology may assist clinicians in making informed decisions regarding subgingival scaling to avoid cementum damage.
