Effective Yet Gentle: Preservation of Dental Restorations During Periodontal Debridement

Periodontal debridement using ultrasonic instruments and air polishing is a standard procedure in clinical dental practice. While effective in managing periodontal health, these techniques can compromise the integrity of dental restorations. This article reviews laboratory evidence on the effects of ultrasonic instrumentation and air polishing on various restorative biomaterials, focusing on surface roughness and marginal integrity. Findings indicate that high-strength ceramics such as zirconia and lithium disilicate are more resistant to damage than feldspathic ceramics, resin-modified glass-ionomer cements, and resin-based materials, which are more susceptible to damage. The use of low-abrasive powders such as erythritol and glycine is recommended to mitigate adverse effects. Actionable recommendations are provided to inform favorable maintenance protocols for restorations during periodontal therapy.