A comparison of postsurgical healing following debridement by ultrasonic or hand instruments

Subjects for the study were 15 patients requiring periodontal surgery in the maxillary posterior quadrants. A split mouth technique with assignment of quadrants by random alternation was used. Assessments were carried out at given time intervals using the Gingival Index, crevicular fluid measurement, Plaque Index and Retention Index. Pain experience following surgery was also noted. Approximately 8 weeks after the initial assessment, periodontal flap surgery was carried out. On the one side debridement was carried out using an ultrasonic scaler, on the other side, hand instrumentation only was used. On the side receiving ultrasonic debridement during surgery, there was an increased rate of healing as measured by the Gingival Index and crevicular fluid. There was no difference in postoperative pain experience, Plaque Index or Retention Index.