[Surface changes of enamel, root cementum and fillings after treatment with tooth cleaning instruments]

The effect of new, automatic tooth cleaning instruments on tooth surface and surfaces and margins of amalgam and composite fillings were studied by profilometric measurements and SEM and compared with each other. On the surfaces of teeth and fillings, in particular at the margins, ultrasound treatment resulted in the significantly highest maximum roughness values. These values were lower when turbin-operated scalers were used. Results demonstrate that during tooth cleaning direct contact between ultrasound and turbine-operated scalers and tooth and filling surfaces should be prevented.