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Root planing strategies: a comparative ex-vivo study
Silvia D'Agostino1, Marco Dolci2
1Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, A. Moro University, Bari, Italy - silviadagostino00@gmail.com.
Minerva Dental and Oral Science
|October 5, 2022
Summary
Air polishing creates a smoother root surface than traditional curettes, without causing cementum damage. This novel technique shows promise for improved periodontal homeostasis and oral health management.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Surface Analysis
Background:
- Oral health significantly impacts systemic low-grade inflammation.
- Periodontal homeostasis requires effective plaque and calculus removal.
- Established techniques include ultrasound scaling and Gracey curettes; air-polishing is typically for prosthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the surface roughness of enamel and root surfaces after air-polishing versus curette instrumentation.
- To evaluate potential root cementum damage from air-polishing.
- To assess the suitability of air-polishing as an alternative to traditional scaling methods.
Main Methods:
- In-vitro analysis of six extracted human teeth.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to examine surface topography.
- Quantitative assessment of surface roughness using software to analyze parameters like Ra, Rq, Sa, and fractal dimension.
Main Results:
- Air-polishing resulted in significantly smoother root surfaces compared to Gracey curette root planing.
- No root cementum damage or scratches were observed with air-polishing.
- Surface smoothness differences are potentially linked to the particle size and composition used in air-polishing.
Conclusions:
- Air-polishing demonstrates potential for achieving smoother root surfaces without causing damage.
- Further in vitro and in vivo investigations are warranted to fully assess the clinical efficacy and outcomes of air-polishing in periodontal therapy.
