Root surface changes following manual and ultrasonic instrumentation - a scanning electron microscopic study

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Periodontal diseases require effective root debridement.
• Root surface condition impacts periodontal healing and fibroblast attachment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of hand scaling versus ultrasonic scaling in calculus removal.
• To evaluate and compare the root surface roughness after both scaling methods using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Main Methods:

• Ninety periodontally involved single-rooted teeth were divided into three groups: no treatment, hand scaling, and ultrasonic scaling.
• Teeth were extracted and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess calculus and surface roughness.

Main Results:

• Both hand and ultrasonic scaling showed similar effectiveness in remaining calculus removal.
• Ultrasonic scaling resulted in significantly less root surface roughness compared to hand scaling.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasonic instruments cause less surface roughness on the root surface than hand instruments.
• Ultrasonic scaling may be a preferred method for root debridement in periodontally involved teeth to minimize root surface damage.