Endoscopic vs. tactile evaluation of subgingival calculus

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Dental Endoscopy

Background:

• Periodontal care relies on accurate subgingival calculus detection.
• Conventional tactile explorers have limitations in identifying all calculus deposits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare subgingival calculus detection using a periodontal endoscope (Perioscope™) versus a tactile explorer.
• To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic technology in periodontitis subjects.

Main Methods:

• 26 periodontitis subjects underwent quadrant scaling and root planing.
• One quadrant used tactile detection alone; another used tactile detection plus Perioscope™.
• Calculus index assessed at baseline and two post-treatment visits.

Main Results:

• Perioscope™ detected significantly more calculus than tactile explorers across all visits (p<0.005).
• Both methods showed significant calculus reduction from baseline to visit 1.
• Only Perioscope™ showed significant further calculus reduction from visit 1 to visit 2 (p<0.025).

Conclusions:

• The Perioscope™ enhances subgingival calculus detection in periodontal therapy.
• Visual feedback from the endoscope is valuable for re-evaluation and ensuring complete calculus removal.