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Subgingival Plaque Removal at Interdental Sites Using a Low‐Abrasive Air Polishing Powder
Author(s) -
Petersilka Gregor J.,
Tunkel Jochen,
Barakos Katerina,
Heinecke Achim,
Häberlein Ingo,
Flemmig Thomas F.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2003.74.3.307
Subject(s) - interdental consonant , dentistry , abrasive , polishing , negative control , medicine , gingival and periodontal pocket , positive control , materials science , periodontitis , metallurgy , traditional medicine
Background: The aim of the study was to test the efficacy of a novel low‐abrasive air polishing powder in subgingival plaque removal at interdental sites during periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT). Methods: Using a split mouth design, subgingival plaque was removed in 23 PMT patients using a low abrasive powder using a standard air polishing unit (test) or curets (positive control). Before and immediately after treatment, subgingival plaque samples were taken from interdental sites with 3 to 5 mm probing depth (PD) at 2 test teeth and 2 positive control teeth. To evaluate the influence of sampling on the microflora, plaque samples were also taken twice at 2 teeth without therapy with PD of 3 to 5 mm (negative control). PMT treatment and plaque sampling were repeated 3 times at quarterly intervals. Anaerobe cultivation was utilized to assess the mean reduction of total colony forming units (CFU) immediately after treatment. Results: Test treatment resulted in a significantly greater reduction in subgingival bacterial counts (log 1.9 ± 0.7) than positive control treatment (log 1.1 ± 0.6) and subgingival plaque sampling alone (log 0.5 ± 0.5; P <0.05). Differences between positive and negative control were not significant (P <0.05). Conclusion: The novel low‐abrasive air polishing powder is superior to curets in removing subgingival plaque at interdental sites with up to 5 mm probing depth in PMT. J Periodontol 2003;74:307‐311.