Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Scaler Research Articles

Effects of a new magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler and a traditional piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler on root surfaces and patient complaints

Tooth wear and pain are the primary concerns of patients undergoing periodontal scaling. The aims of this study were to compare the effects of a new magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler and a traditional piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler on tooth surface roughness and calculus removal and to determine their impacts on patient discomfort during supragingival cleaning. This article had two parts: an in vitro study and a clinical study. In the in vitro study, thirty teeth with subgingival calculus were randomly assigned to two scaling treatment groups: magnetostrictive scalers (n = 15) and piezoelectric scalers (n = 15). Surface roughness measurements were taken at baseline and after scaling, and the root samples were visualised by SEM after scaling. Additionally, a single-centre randomised split-mouth clinical trial was conducted. Eighty-five participants diagnosed with chronic gingivitis or periodontitis were randomly assigned to receive supragingival scaling. The magnetostrictive scaler was used in half of the mouths (n = 85), and the piezoelectric scaler was used in the other half of the mouths (n = 85). Data on pain, noise, and vibration were collected using a VAS questionnaire, and the operating time was recorded. In both in vitro and clinical studies, magnetostrictive scalers were reported to be more effective than piezoelectric scalers in removing dental deposits (P < 0.05). Additionally, the root surface after scaling with the magnetostrictive scaler was smoother than that after scaling with the piezoelectric scaler in the in vitro study (P = 0.02). SEM examination also revealed that fewer dental materials were lost after instrumentation with the magnetostrictive scaler than after instrumentation with the piezoelectric scaler. Piezoelectric scalers caused less discomfort to patients in terms of pain, noise, and vibration than magnetostrictive scalers (P < 0.05). According to this clinical study, the magnetostrictive scaler caused more discomfort during supragingival scaling than the piezoelectric scaler. Moreover, the magnetostrictive scaler was also more efficient and produced a smoother root surface with less material loss after scaling than the piezoelectric scaler, as demonstrated in the in vitro study.

Euphorbia hirta nanoextract as a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler coolant in gingivitis treatment in a Wistar rat model

ObjectivesThis research was aimed at investigating the effects of various concentrations of Euphorbia hirta nanoextract as a piezoelectric scaler coolant on gingivitis healing in a Wistar rat model. MethodsA piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler coolant was made from E. hirta nanoextract through ionic gelation. Experiments were conducted in 45 adult male Wistar rats divided into three groups treated with E. hirta nanoextract coolant (25%, 30%, and 35% concentrations), and negative and positive control groups. A silk ligature was used to trap debris and induce gingivitis in the maxillary incisors of the rats. Scaling was conducted with a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler after the respective treatment for each group. Data were collected on days 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 after treatment. Observations were collected with an Optilab® camera at 400× magnification. Angiogenesis and neutrophil data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Duncan tests at a 95% significance level. ResultsUse of E. hirta nanoextract as a piezoelectric ultrasonic coolant accelerated gingivitis healing in Wistar rats, particularly at a 25% concentration. Two-way ANOVA indicated a significant difference in angiogenesis and neutrophil counts between the control group and each treatment group (p < 0.05). Duncan's post-hoc test showed significant differences in mean neutrophil numbers and angiogenesis among groups on days 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21. The group treated with 25% nanoextract concentration showed no significant differences with respect to the positive control group. ConclusionsUse of E. hirta nanoextract as a piezoelectric ultrasonic coolant had good therapeutic results in promoting gingivitis healing. E. hirta nanoextract may potentially resolve inflammation in gingivitis by modulating neutrophils and angiogenesis.

Assessing the effect of piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler tip wear on root surface roughness under influence of various working parameters: A profilometric and atomic force microscopic study.

Assessing the effect of scaler tip wear on the root surface roughness using piezoelectric ultrasonic scaling device under influence of various working parameters, i.e. power setting, lateral force, and instrumentation time. An experimental study was conducted using 160 single-rooted tooth samples divided into two groups of new (n = 80) and worn tips (n = 80). Samples were prepared to examine the root surface roughness after being instrumented by new and worn piezoelectric ultrasonic tips (8 new/8 worn) at different parameters. The erosion ratio (ER) of the new/worn tip was examined under an atomic force microscope and roughness over root surface was measured by a contact surface profilometer. One-way analysis of variance test, post hoc Tukey's test, and independent t-test were used for intragroup, pair-wise multiple comparisons and intergroup comparison of average roughness (Ra) value. A statistically significant difference was found between the ER of new and worn scaler tips (P < 0.001). Intragroup comparison between subgroups 1 and 8 showed a higher Ra value in both the groups (P < 0.005). There was a significantly higher Ra value of worn tips compared to new tips (P < 0.05). Significantly higher mean Ra value was shown when lateral force changed from 50 g to 100 g (P < 0.005). Increasing value of power setting, lateral force, and instrumentation time caused more surface roughness in worn-out scaler tips compared to new scaler tips. Lateral force and instrumentation time proved to be a major factor influencing surface roughness.

Accelerated Bone Induction of Adult Rat Compact Bone Plate Scratched by Ultrasonic Scaler Using Acidic Electrolyzed Water.

Fresh compact bone, the candidate graft material for bone regeneration, is usually grafted for horizontal bone augmentation. However, the dense calcified structure inhibits the release of growth factors and limits cellular and vascular perfusion. We aimed to create mechano-chemically altered dense skull bone by ultrasonic treatment, along with partial demineralization using commercially available acidic electrolyzed water (AEW). The parietal skull bone of an 11-month-old Wistar rat was exposed and continuously treated with a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler tip for 1 min, using AEW (pH 2.3) or distilled water (DW, pH 5.6) as irrigants. Treated parietal bone was removed, cut into plates (5 × 5 × 1 mm3), grafted into the back subcutaneous tissues of syngeneic rats, and explanted at 1, 2, and 3 weeks. AEW bone showed an irregular surface, deep nano-microcracks, and decalcified areas. SEM-EDS revealed small amounts of residual calcium content in the AEW bone (0.03%) compared to the DW bone (0.86%). In the animal assay, the AEW bone induced bone at 2 weeks. Histomorphometric analysis showed that the area of new bone in the AEW bone at 2 and 3 weeks was significantly larger. This new combination technique of AEW-demineralization with ultrasonic treatment will improve the surface area and three-dimensional (3D) architecture of dense bone and accelerate new bone synthesis.

A comparative questionnaire study of patient complaint levels between magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler (Cavitron® ) and piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers.

Ultrasonic scalers often cause an uncomfortable feeling to patients during the procedure. This study was conducted to compare patient complaint levels between magnetostrictive (M-USSC) and piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers (P-USSC) during supragingival scaling. This study enrolled 82 subjects who received supportive periodontal therapy for at least 2years. At each recall visit, probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and O'Leary plaque control record (O'PCR) were recorded. Then, supragingival scaling was performed using P-USSC (Varios or Petit Piezo) at the first visit and M-USSC (Cavitron) at the second visit. After each treatment, a questionnaire survey was performed using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale for six items, which included the typical complaints occurring during ultrasonic scaling. The scores for all the six items related to patient complaints were greater for P-USSC than for M-USSC (p<0.001). Patient complaints such as discomfort, pain, sound, vibration, hyperesthesia and length of treatment time were ameliorated in 74%, 65%, 80%, 67%, 57% and 53% of subjects using M-USSC, respectively. On the other hand, only <5% of subjects showed deterioration in terms of each complaint. This study suggested that M-USSC causes fewer patient complaints during supragingival scaling than P-USSC. M-USSC may improve patient motivation and compliance and may contribute towards achieving successful treatment outcomes. However, this result could differ depending on the shape of the tip and the insert and treatment site. Further research will be required under various conditions.

Development of New Method to Reposition Orthodontic Brackets Without Debonding by Using an Ultrasonic Device: An In Vitro Study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a new method to change a bracket position without debonding the metal bracket that was bonded with a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) orthodontic adhesive resin by using an ultrasonic device. Materials and Methods: An originally designed scaler tip was developed for a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler. The adhesive turned to melting state by thermal heat that was generated by ultrasonic frictional heat. When the adhesive was in melting state, the bracket was rotated approximately 20° and held in this position until the adhesive hardened again by air cooling. Shear bond strengths were measured on each sample in the control and the repositioning groups. To evaluate the thermal effects of the increased temperature on the enamel surface and pulpal cavity, extracted human lower premolars were monitored during the repositioning time. Results: The time required for the repositioning procedures was approximately 7 s. The temperature of the enamel surface increased by 53°C and the pulpal wall increased by 0.5°C during the repositioning procedures. The bonding strength showed no significant difference between the control and repositioning groups. Conclusion: This method for bracket repositioning without debonding using an ultrasonic device proved to be a new method for bracket repositioning.

A randomised controlled trial to determine patient experience of a magnetostrictive stack scaler as compared to a piezoelectric scaler, in supportive periodontal therapy

ObjectivesTo compare the pain/discomfort experienced by patients in supportive periodontal therapy, following treatment with a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler, designed for use with warmed water irrigation, and a magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler. MethodsThis was a single-centre, randomised, split mouth study with regard to side, and crossover with regard to treatment order. Patients attending general dental practice for supportive periodontal therapy were randomised to receive treatment from one scaler on the left and the other scaler on the right-hand side of the mouth, the left side of the mouth always being treated first. The piezo scaler (Tigon+®) was used with room temperature irrigation for half of the participants (approx 20 °C) and warmed water irrigation (approx 36 °C) for the other half. The magnetostrictive scaler (Cavitron Select SPS 30K®) was used with room temperature irrigation (approx 20 °C) only. Participants rated their pain/discomfort, noise and vibration by VAS scale. Results140 participants completed the study. Mean VAS scores for all measures were significantly better for the piezo scaler used with warm irrigation as compared to the magnetostrictive scaler p < 0.001. When both scalers were used with room temperature irrigant, there were no significant differences in the VAS scores between scalers (pain/discomfort, p = 0.68; noise p = 0.2; vibration p = 0.85). ConclusionsParticipants indicated to statistical significance, less pain/discomfort, noise and vibration when the piezo scaler (Tigon+®) device was used with warmed irrigant, compared to the magnetostrictive scaler (Cavitron Select SPS 30K®). There were no significant differences between the instruments when room temperature irrigant was used. Clinical significanceRegular scaling in supportive periodontal therapy, is essential for maintenance of susceptible patients, however it can be painful due to dentine hypersensitivity deterring patients from attending. Using a piezo scaler with warm water improves patient quality of life and subsequent oral health. This may have positive effects on patient attendance. ISRCTN registeredISRCTN15573995.

Clinical effects of photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to full-mouth ultrasonic scaling and root planing in treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a potential strategy to eliminate infection in the specific tissue. It uses lower-power laser to activate a photosensitizing agent. Studies have shown the benefit of PDT in the periodontal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal changes after applying PDT as an adjunct to one visit full-mouth SRP (scaling and root planing) with subgingival piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler compared with full-mouth SRP alone. A split-mouth randomized clinical trial was designed. Twenty patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were treated with subgingival piezoelectric ultrasonic device alone in control group and adjunct treated with PDT in the test group. Probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI) and gingival inflammation index (GI) were evaluated at baseline, 1 month, 3 and 6 months after treatment. Only sites with PD ≥ 4 mm at baseline were calculated. All periodontal parameters were significantly improved in both groups at 1 month, 3 and 6 months after treatment. All parameters in test group were better than that control group, with statistically significant differences of GBI and GI (P < 0.05) at 3 and 6 months after treatment but no statistically significant differences of PD, CAL and PI. One visit full-mouth ultrasonic SRP seems to have good enough effort for the periodontal status till 6 months. The adjunct treatment of PDT provided positive effect in term of GBI and GI.

Evaluation of the Effects of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser, Ultrasonic Scaler and Curette on Root Surface Profile Using Surface Analyser and Scanning Electron Microscope: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: The periodontal therapy is primarily targeted at removal of dental plaque and plaque retentive factors. Although the thorough removal of adherent plaque, calculus and infected root cementum is desirable, it is not always achieved by conventional modalities. To accomplish more efficient results several alternative devices have been used. Lasers are one of the most promising modalities for nonsurgical periodontal treatment as they can achieve excellent tissue ablation with strong bactericidal and detoxification effects. Methods: Thirty freshly extracted premolars were selected and decoronated. The mesial surface of each root was divided vertically into four approximately equal parts. These were distributed into four group based on the root surface treatment. Part A (n = 30) was taken as control and no instrumentation was performed. Part B (n = 30) was irradiated by Erbium, Chromium doped Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser. Part C (n = 30) was treated by piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler. Part D (n = 30) was treated by Gracey curette. The surface roughness was quantitatively analyzed by profilometer using roughness average (Ra) value, while presence of smear layer, cracks, craters and melting of surface were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The means across the groups were statistically compared with control using Dunnett test. Results: Among the test groups, Er,Cr:YSGG laser group showed maximum surface roughness (mean Ra value of 4.14 μm) as compared to ultrasonic scaler (1.727 μm) and curette group (1.22 μm). However, surface with smear layer were found to be maximum (50%) in curette treated samples and minimum (20%) in laser treated ones. Maximum cracks (83.34%) were produced by ultrasonic scaler, and minimum (43.33%) by curettes. Crater formation was maximum (50%) in laser treated samples and minimum (3.33%) in curette treated ones. 63.33% samples treated by laser demonstrated melting of root surface, followed by ultrasonic scaler and curettes. Conclusion: Er,Cr:YSGG laser produced maximum microstructural changes on root surface that can influence the attachment of soft periodontal tissues as well as plaque and calculus deposition. In vivo studies are needed to validate these results and to evaluate their clinical effects.

지각과민처치제가 초음파 스케일링 처리한 비우식성 치경부 병소가 있는 치아의 지각과민증에 주는 영향

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in dentinal permeability after application of dentin desensitizer on exposed dentin immediately after ultrasonic scaling to teeth with non-carious cervical lesions. Thirty caries-free extracted molars were fixed to slide glasses after horizontally being sectioned at 5 mm below the cemento- enamel junction (CEJ). The prepared specimen was connected to a fluid flow measuring device (nano-Flow), and a V-shaped cavity was formed at the CEJ to imitate the non-carious cervical lesion. After no fluid leakage was confirmed in the connected system with specimen, tooth surface was treated ultrasonic cleaning with piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers until dentinal tubules were exposed. And 6 different desensitizers were applied on exposed dentin. Real-time measurements of dentinal fluid flow were performed during ultrasonic scaling and application of dentin desensitizer. To evaluate the occlusion of exposed dentinal tubules, tooth surface was examined by SEM. Following results were observed. After ultrasonic scaling, more dentinal tubules were exposed on the tooth with non-carious cervical lesions compared to tooth without lesions. The rate of fluid flow measured with nano-Flow system had correlation with the degree of dentin occlusion observed with SEM after application of desensitizers on exposed dentin. Desensitizers with glutaraldehyde and HEMA did not decrease the rate of fluid flow and did not show dentin occlusion. Desensitizers with oxalate showed the limited effects on the rate of fluid flow and dentinal tubule occlusion. Desensitizer with resin monomer showed the significant effect on the rate of fluid flow and dentin occlusion.

Characteristics of the molar surface after removal of cervical enamel projections: comparison of three different rotating instruments.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare tooth surface characteristics in extracted human molars after cervical enamel projections (CEPs) were removed with the use of three rotating instruments.MethodsWe classified 60 extracted molars due to periodontal lesion with CEPs into grade I, II, or III, according to the Masters and Hoskins’ criteria. Each group contained 20 specimens. Three rotating instruments were used to remove the CEPs: a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler, a periodontal bur, and a diamond bur. Tooth surface characteristics before and after removal of the projections were then evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We analyzed the characteristics of the tooth surfaces with respect to roughness and whether the enamel projections had been completely removed.ResultsIn SEM images, surfaces treated with the diamond bur were smoothest, but this instrument caused considerable harm to tooth structures near the CEPs. The piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler group produced the roughest surface but caused less harm to the tooth structure near the furcation. In general, the surfaces treated with the periodontal bur were smoother than those treated with the ultrasonic scaler, and the periodontal bur did not invade adjacent tooth structures.ConclusionsFor removal of grade II CEPs, the most effective instrument was the diamond bur. However, in removing grade III projections, the diamond bur can destroy both adjacent tooth structures and the periodontal apparatus. In such cases, careful use of the periodontal bur may be an appropriate substitute.

The performance characteristics of a piezoelectric ultrasonic dental scaler

The objective of this work was to investigate the performance characteristics of a piezoelectric ultrasonic dental scaler using scanning laser vibrometry. The vibration characteristics of three standard piezoelectric tips were assessed with scanning laser vibrometry under various conditions: unconstrained, under a stream of flowing water, in a water tank, as well as subjected to loads to simulate clinical conditions. Subsequently, the tips were used to disrupt an in-vitro biofilm model of dental plaque, developed using a non-pathogenic Gram-negative species of Serratia (NCIMB40259).The laser vibrometry data showed that the oscillation pattern of the ultrasonic tip depends primarily on its shape and design, as well as on the generator power. Thin tips and high power settings induce the highest vibrations. Water irrigation of the tip and loads influence the tip performance by diminishing its vibration, while water volume increases it.Serratia biofilm was disrupted by the cavitation bubbles occurring around the scaler tip. The most effective biofilm removal occurred with the thinner tip.Understanding how the ultrasonic tip oscillates when in use and how it removes dental plaque is essential for gaining more knowledge regarding the cleaning mechanisms of the ultrasonic system. Cavitation may be used to remove plaque and calculus without a mechanical contact between the dental tip and the teeth. Better knowledge would enable dental specialists to understand and improve their techniques during routine cleaning of teeth. It will also lead to improving tip design and to the production of more effective instruments for clinical use.

The effect of the angle of instrumentation of the Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Scaler on root surfaces.

To evaluate the influence of variations in the working angle of the piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler (PUS) on root surfaces. Fifty-five uniradicular bovine teeth were used, of which 25 teeth were used for the analysis of the roughness and root wear, while the remaining 30 teeth were used for the analysis of morphology (MRS) and the attachment of blood components (ABC). The teeth were randomly divided into five groups according to the type of treatment (G1-G5: piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler; G6: manual curette) and to the PUS working angle applied (G1: 0°; G2: 30°; G3: 45°; G4: 60°; G5: 90°). For statistical analysis, the data describing the MRS and ABC were analysed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests, and the data describing the roughness and tooth wear were analysed by anova and Tukey's tests at the significance level of 5%. Manual curette (MC) promoted a smoother root surface than the application of the PUS. The PUS used at the angles of 30° and 45° resulted in a high level of ABC that was comparable to that obtained by MC. Additionally, the group in which the PUS was applied at an angle of 45° exhibited less tooth wear than the other groups. Changes in the working angle of the PUS influenced the characteristics of root surfaces after instrumentation.

Influence of tip wear of piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers on root surface roughness at different working parameters. A profilometric and atomic force microscopy study

Roughness on tooth surfaces is reported to facilitate the reestablishment of microbial dental plaque. Hence, the main goal of dental scaling is to remove bacterial plaque and obtain smoother tooth surfaces. This study was aimed to assess the influence of tip wear of ultrasonic scaler inserts on root surface roughness at different working parameters. Twenty piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler inserts (10 worn/10 new) were selected to examine the erosion ratio (ER) on the scaler tips and to assess the influence of tip wear on root surface roughness. Erosion on the tip surfaces was evaluated under atomic force microscopy (AFM). Root samples were prepared and instrumented by new (Group I) and worn (Group II) inserts at different working parameters. Roughness change (Rc) on root surfaces after instrumentation was examined under profilometer and compared between and within the groups. Statistically significant differences were found between the mean ERs of new and worn tips (P<0.01). The results of this study showed that tip angulation and instrument power strongly influenced the Rc values on instrumented samples (P<0.05). It was also revealed that tip wear influenced the Rc values on root surfaces especially at 45° tip angulation (P<0.05). Therefore, tip wear should also be considered as much as the other parameters to minimize the surface roughness during ultrasonic treatment.

Comparative evaluation of roughness of titanium surfaces treated by different hygiene instruments

PurposeThe use of appropriate instruments to clean surfaces with minimal change, is critical for the successful maintenance of a dental implant. However, there is no consensus about the type and methodology for such instruments. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in the roughness of titanium surfaces treated by various scaling instruments.MethodsThirty-seven identical disks (5 mm in diameter) were investigated in this study. The specimens were divided into eight groups according to the types of instrumentation and the angle of application. Ultrasonic scaling systems were applied on a titanium disk to simulate standard clinical conditions. The equipment included a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with a newly developed metallic tip (NS group), a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with a conventional tip (CS group), a piezoelectric root planer ultrasonic scaler with a conventional tip (PR group), and a plastic hand curette (PH group). In addition, the sites treated using piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler systems were divided two sub-groups: 15 and 45 degrees. The treated titanium surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the average surface roughness (Ra) and mean roughness profile depth (Rz) were measured with a profilometer.ResultsSEM no significant changes in the titanium surfaces in the NS group, regardless of the angle of application. The PH group also showed no marked changes to the titanium surface, although some smoothening was observed. All CS and PR sites lost their original texture and showed irregular surfaces in SEM analysis. The profilometer analysis demonstrated that the roughness values (Ra and Rz) of the titanium surfaces increased in all, except the PH and NS groups, which showed roughness decreases relative to the untreated control group. The Ra value differed significantly between the NS and PR groups (P<0.05).ConclusionsThe results of this study indicated that changes in or damage to titanium surfaces might be more affected by the hardness of the scaler tip than by the application method. Within the limitations of this study, the newly developed metallic scaler tip might be especially suitable for peri-implant surface decontamination, due to its limited effects on the titanium surface.

A Study to evaluate and compare the Efficacy of Preprocedural Mouthrinsing and High Volume Evacuator Attachment Alone and in Combination in Reducing the Amount of Viable Aerosols Produced during Ultrasonic Scaling Procedure

In recent years, ultrasonics has gained prime importance and is considered a valuable tool in the dentist's armamentarium. Studies have confirmed that an aerosolized bacterial contamination is produced during the use of ultrasonic scalers. To evaluate and compare the efficacy of preprocedural mouthrinsing using a bis-biguanide (chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2%) and high volume evacuator attachment alone and in combination in reducing the amount of viable aerosols produced during ultrasonic scaling procedure. A total 90 subjects were assigned to group I (who rinsed with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate prior to scaling), group II (high volume evacuator attachment was used during ultrasonic scaling) and group III (who rinsed with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate prior to scaling and in whom high volume evacuator attachment was used during ultrasonic scaling). Control group consisted of subject's whose mouth was scaled using a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler without preprocedural rinsing or high volume suction. Aerosol samples were collected using blood agar plates. The blood agar plates containing the aerosol sample were taken to the microbiology department as soon as the sampling was over and were subjected to aerobic culturing. The values obtained showed that all the three groups were effective in reducing the mean colony forming units (CFUs). The results of this study showed that preprocedural rinse and high volume suction were effective when used alone as well as together in reducing the microbial load of the aerosols produced during ultrasonic scaling. There was a significant reduction in the number of CFUs in aerosol samples obtained.

Effect of instrumentation using curettes, piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler and Er,Cr:YSGG laser on the morphology and adhesion of blood components on root surfaces: a SEM study

This study used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the morphology and adhesion of blood components on root surfaces instrumented by curettes, piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler and Er,Cr:YSGG laser. One hundred samples from 25 teeth were divided into 5 groups: 1) Curettes; 2) Piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler; 3) Curettes plus piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler; 4) Er,Cr:YSGG laser; 5) Curettes plus Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Ten samples from each group were used for analysis of root morphology and the other 10 were used for analysis of adhesion of blood components on root surface. The results were analyzed statistically by the Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests with a significance level of 5%. The group treated with curettes showed smoother surfaces when compared to the groups were instrumented with piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler and the Er,Cr:YSGG laser. The surfaces instrumented with piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler and Er,Cr:YSGG laser, alone or in combination with hand scaling and root planing, did not differ significantly (p>0.05) among themselves. No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) among groups were found as to the adhesion of blood components on root surface. Ultrasonic instrumentation and Er,Cr:YSGG irradiation produced rougher root surfaces than the use of curettes, but there were no differences among treatments with respect to the adhesion of blood components.

An in vitro evaluation of zirconia surface roughness caused by different scaling methods

Plaque control is essential for the prevention of inflammatory periodontal disease. Ultrasonic scaling and hand scaling have been shown to be effective for the removal of plaque. However, routine periodontal prophylactic procedures may alter the surface profile of restorative materials. The purpose of this study was to assess in vitro the changes in roughness of zirconia surfaces treated by various scaling procedures. One hundred forty identical disks (10 mm in diameter, 2 mm thick) were made. The specimens were divided into 7 groups of 20 each; the surfaces of the specimens were exposed to different types of scaling methods simulating standard clinical conditions. In the control group (C), no scaling procedures were performed; in the other groups, a steel curette (SC), a plastic curette (PC), a titanium curette (TC), a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler (PUS), an ultrasonic scaler (US), and a magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler (MUS) were used. The surface texture was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively with a profilometer and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A 1-way ANOVA was performed to assess whether roughness profile (Ra) differed among groups, while pairwise comparisons between groups were evaluated by the Tukey HSD test (alpha=.05). The 1-way ANOVA revealed significant differences among groups (P<.001); the Tukey HSD test demonstrated that all methods achieved different results. Analysis of zirconia surfaces treated by different ultrasonic scaling systems demonstrated some deeper scratches, whereas zirconia instrumented with various types of periodontal curettes exhibited smaller scratches. Scaling with a steel curette produced the least alteration of zirconia surfaces. All instrument types evaluated altered the smoothness of zirconia surfaces. Follow-up in vivo studies are indicated to assess potential clinical problems associated with increased roughness at the margin of zirconia restorations following routine dental prophylaxis.

시뮬레이션을 통한 압전형 초음파 스케일러 개발 및 평가

A piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler, usually used to remove the tartar out of teeth and to amputate the pubis, is a recently popular instrument for dental treatment due to its several merits such as small size, low-electric power, precision and low-cost. It has typically two parts of a tip and vibration system, which is also composed of head, piezoelectric elements and tail-mass. The scaler concentrates its displacement on tip and has commonly a resonance frequency at 25~30 kHz, and in order to improve the performance of the scaler, it is important to standardize the size of the vibration system without tip for high performance because scaler in quality differs according to several tips. In this study, a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was utilized to optimize the structure of ultrasonic scaler in the vibration system. Consequently, this study revealed that influence of several tips on property were minimized and scaler showed good property at the resonance frequency of 28 kHz.

A morphologic evaluation of defects created by a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler on casting gold alloy

Purpose: In this study we evaluated the morphologic aspects of defects created by a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with scaler tip on casting gold alloy using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and defect surface profiles. Methods: 54 blocks of type III casting gold alloy (Firmilay, Jellenko Inc, CA, USA) were scaled by a piezoelectric ultra- sonic scaler (P-MAX, Satelec, France) with scaler tip (No. 1 tip) on a sledge device. 2-dimensional profiles of defects on all samples were investigated by a surface profilometer (a-Step 500, KLA-Tencor, CA, USA). The selected working param- eters were lateral force (0.5 N, 1.0 N, 2.0 N), mode (P mode, S mode), and power setting (2, 4, 8). SEM images were obtained. Defect surface profiles were made on Microsoft Excel program using data obtained by a surface profilometer. Results: Among P mode samples, there were similarities on defect surface profiles and SEM images regardless of lateral force. The defects created in P mode were narrow and shallow although the depth and the width increased as power setting changed low (2) to high (8). In P mode samples, the defect depth was the greatest when lateral force of 0.5 N was applied. However all the depths were smaller than 1 m. SEM images of Lateral force of 0.5 N, S mode, power setting 2 and 4 were similar to that of P mode, but the other SEM images of S mode showed discernible changes. Defect depth of S mode samples was the greatest when lateral force of 1.0 N was applied. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concoluded that removing capability of piezoelectric scaler with scaler tip becomes maximized as power level becomes higher but the capability is restricted when excessive lateral force is applied on scaler tip. (J Korean Acad Periodontol 2009;39:385-390)