[Ultrastructural aspects of root planing: scanning electron microscopy (S.E.M.)]

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Dental Instruments

Background:

• Periodontal treatment is fundamental for oral health.
• Scaling and root planing are primary methods for periodontal therapy.
• Instrument wear can impact treatment efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare root surface morphology after using new, semi-new, and worn Gracey 7/8 curettes.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of different curette states in tartar removal.
• To assess potential iatrogenic damage to tooth enamel.

Main Methods:

• Manual scaling and root planing using three distinct Gracey 7/8 curettes (new, semi-new, worn).
• Microscopic examination of root surfaces to assess morphology and enamel integrity.
• Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of tartar removal.

Main Results:

• New curettes effectively removed tartar but caused significant enamel excoriations.
• Semi-new curettes demonstrated comparable tartar removal efficacy to new curettes.
• Semi-new curettes resulted in minimal to no enamel surface damage.

Conclusions:

• The state of dental curettes significantly influences the outcome of scaling and root planing.
• Semi-new Gracey 7/8 curettes offer a favorable balance between effective tartar removal and preservation of tooth structure.
• Clinicians should consider instrument condition to optimize periodontal treatment and minimize iatrogenic effects.