Hand instrumentation versus ultrasonics in the removal of endotoxins from root surfaces

In this study, the average net total endotoxin in the solubilized extracts from each sample were healthy teeth, 1.46 ng/ml; periodontally diseased teeth, 169.5 ng/ml; ultrasonically scaled teeth, 16.8 ng/ml; root planed teeth, 2.09 ng/ml. The material that was extracted and assayed was not conclusively proven to be endotoxin, but recent studies suggest it was. Meticulous root planing as performed in this study produced values similar to those for unerupted periodontally healthy teeth. Ultrasonic scaling resulted in endotoxin values approximately eight times greater.