The removal of root surface deposits.

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Dental Hygiene

Background:

• Adequate root surface instrumentation is crucial in periodontal therapy.
• Understanding the efficacy of root planing in removing bacterial deposits is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of root planing in achieving stainable deposit-free root surfaces.
• To compare blind instrumentation versus direct vision during periodontal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Laboratory analysis of periodontally involved roots after instrumentation.
• Clinical evaluation of root planing efficacy on 33 patients undergoing flap surgery.
• Use of gentian violet staining and photographic analysis with an image analysis system.

Main Results:

• Meticulous laboratory preparation yielded non-stainable surfaces of cementum or dentine.
• Root planing under direct vision during surgery was more effective than blind instrumentation.
• Complete elimination of stainable deposits was not achieved in any clinical case.

Conclusions:

• Direct vision enhances root planing effectiveness during periodontal surgery.
• Achieving completely clean root surfaces remains a challenge in clinical practice.
• Further refinement of instrumentation techniques may be necessary for optimal outcomes.