[The effect of various ultrasonic tooth cleaning devices on dental filling materials]

The influence of various ultrasonic devices for cleaning teeth on the surfaces of different filling materials was studied in 300 extracted teeth. Special attention was directed to the cavity edge and the area immediately surrounding it. Alterations in surface roughness were determined and compared with an electromechanical stylus. The inflicted damage depends much more on the type of filling material than on the device. Distinct quantitative differences due to the devices however were observable.