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Calculus Removal With Diamond‐Coated Ultrasonic Inserts In Vitro
Author(s) -
Yukna Raymond A.,
Vastardis Sotirios,
Mayer Elizabeth T.
Publication year - 2007
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.2007.060207
Subject(s) - ultrasonic sensor , diamond , calculus (dental) , materials science , mathematics , dentistry , physics , composite material , acoustics , medicine
Background: Efficient calculus removal is a primary goal in periodontal therapy. Diamond‐coated ultrasonic inserts (DIs) offer promise for improved scaling and were evaluated in vitro. Methods: Extracted human teeth with moderate to severe calculus had areas of calculus (∼5 × 5 mm) delineated with small burs. Each calculus area was treated under 2.5× magnification to the point of visible root cleanliness with sharp Gracey curets (hand instruments [HIs]), plain ultrasonic inserts (PIs), or ultrasonic inserts with fine‐grit diamond coating; the latter two were used in a magnetostrictive ultrasonic instrument at a medium power setting. Each curet or insert was used for four teeth and then replaced by a new instrument. The time needed to clean each tooth/surface was recorded. The total area treated and the area of the residual calculus were calculated using an imaging analysis program. Results: The mean time required for clinical calculus removal was 29.7 seconds for DIs, 91.9 seconds for PIs, and 49.8 seconds for HIs (all P <0.0001 from each other). Overall, the mean percentage of residual calculus was 6.3% for DIs, 5.4% for PIs, and 3.1% for HIs (significant differences between HIs and the other treatments). Conclusions: In vitro calculus removal was faster with DIs, followed by HIs and PIs. More residual calculus was found with the DIs; however, the 1% to 3% difference (93.7% clean versus 94.6% clean versus 96.9% clean with DIs, PIs, and HIs, respectively) does not seem to be clinically significant.