Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Scaler Research Articles

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)

Three‐dimensional analyses of ultrasonic scaler oscillations

It is stated that the oscillation patterns of dental ultrasonic scalers are dependent upon whether the instrument is of a magnetostrictive or piezoelectric design. These patterns are then linked to differences in root surface debridement in vitro. Piezoelectric (A, P) and magnetostrictive (Slimline, TFI-3) ultrasonic scalers (three of each) were evaluated, loaded (100 g/200 g) and unloaded with a 3D laser vibrometer. Loads were applied to the probe tips via teeth mounted in a load-measuring device. Elliptical motion was demonstrated for all probes under loaded and unloaded conditions. Loading flattened the elliptical motion along the length of the probe. Unloaded, Slimline tip 1 was significantly different to tips 2 and 3 (p<0.0001). There were no differences between the A-tips (p>0.207). All TFI-3 tips were different to each other (p<0.0001). P-tips 1 and 2 were different to each other (p=0.046). Loaded, Slimline tips were different to each other (p<0.001). There were no differences between the P probes (p>0.867). Generator power increased all Slimline and P tip vibrations (p<0.0001). Probe oscillation patterns are independent of ultrasound production mechanism and are dependent upon probe shape and generator power. Loaded probes oscillated with an elliptical pattern.

The effect of working parameters on removal of casting gold alloy using a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with scaler tip in vitro

Purpose: Ultrasonic scalers have been widely used for removing biofilm which is considered as major etiologic factor of periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of working parameters of piezoeletric ultrasonic scaler with scaler tip (No. 1 tip) on casting gold alloy removal. Methods: Type III dental casting gold alloy (Firmilay ® , Jelenko Inc, CA, USA) was used as substitute for tooth substance. Piezoeletric ultrasonic scaler and No.1 scaler tip (P-Max ® , Satelec, France) were selected. The selected working parameters were mode (P mode, S mode), power setting (2, 4, 8) and lateral force (0.5 N, 1.0 N, 2.0 N). The effect of working parameters was evaluated in terms of ablation depth, ablation width and ablation area. Results: Mode influenced ablation depth and ablation area. Power also influenced ablation depth and ablation area. Especially, Power 2 and power 8 showed statistically significant difference. Lateral force had influence on ablation width, and 0.5 N resulted significant increase compared with 1.0 N and 2.0 N. Ablation depth was influenced by mode, power and lateral force and defect width was influenced by lateral force. Ablation area was influenced by mode and power. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the use of piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with No. 1 scaler tip in S mode and high power may result in significant loss of tooth substance. (J Korean Acad Periodontol 2009;39:139-148)

The comparison of the effects of three types of piezoelectric ultrasonic tips and air polishing system on the filling materials: an in vitro study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of air polishing and different ultrasonic scaler inserts on dental fillings, such as amalgam, composite and porcelain. This study was performed on amalgam, composite and porcelain samples. The surfaces of the samples were exposed to different type of piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler inserts and air-abrasive unit. The scaler inserts were Instrument A, Instrument PS and PI. The roughness of the surfaces of each sample were measured with a profilometer and observed by stereomicroscope. The stereomicroscopic images and profilometric values showed that Instrument A and PS resulted in rough surfaces, such as chips, nicks and scratches on the amalgam, composite and porcelain surfaces. The Instrument PI roughened the amalgam surface, but it did not roughen the porcelain or composite surfaces. The profilometric measurements (Ra) showed that the roughness of the surfaces depending on air polishing was less than the ultrasonically scaled surfaces. The wrong tip applications during dental scaling procedure cause roughness, such as scratches, nicks or chips, not only on the teeth surfaces but also on the filling materials. Thus, dental scaling procedure on the restorations should be performed carefully and the roughness sites on the restorations have to be re-polished after scaling to prevent plaque accumulation.

Análise no Microscópio Electrónico de Varrimento da Superfície Radicular Após Instrumentação

IntroductionAn effective non surgical mechanical treatment can be achieved with a little damage on root surface. AimsThe aim of this study is to assess the removal of root substance, the texture and morphological changes, before and after instrumentation. Root surface texture was assessed with scanning electron microscopy. Materials and MethodsTen teeth carefully extracted due to periodontal reasons were sectioned longitudinally to obtain two equal parts. Five groups of 4 surfaces each were formed. The root surfaces were debrided during 1 minute using the following instruments: gracey curettes, magnetostrictive and piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler, vector TM – system and one group uninstrumented (control). The teeth were examined by scanning electron microscopy. ResultsThe control group, showed a granular texture of cementum and this appearance was changed after instrumentation. Under SEM, curettes leave the root surface smother than the other instruments tested that leaved a similar morphological changes. Root surfaces debrided are irregular, with scratches and gouges, each one with a characteristic pattern, probably, reflecting the function of the instrument. ConclusionApparently, this study concludes that root surfaces instrumented by curettes performed a morphology and texture that is the farthest of control group, when observed to SEM.

A comparison of root surface instrumentation using two piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers and a hand scaler in vivo

This study compared the effectiveness of two piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers and a hand scaler for subgingival scaling and root planing in vivo. Fifteen patients with advanced periodontal disease and with teeth scheduled for extraction were selected for this study. Three experimental groups of 10 teeth each were treated with one of two piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers [Vector scaler and Enac scaler] or with a hand scaler. Instrumentation was continued until the root surface felt hard and smooth to an explorer tip. The root surface characteristics after instrumentation were examined using scanning electron microscopy, and the amount of remaining calculus, roughness and loss of tooth substance were estimated using the remaining calculus index and roughness loss of tooth substance index. The remaining calculus index did not differ significantly among the three groups. The roughness loss of tooth substance index was significantly lower for the Vector scaler and Enac scaler groups than for the hand scaler group and also differed significantly between the Vector scaler and Enac scaler groups. This study suggests that the Vector scaler produces a smooth root surface with minimal loss of tooth substance. It is a reasonable choice for gentle periodontal maintenance treatment.

Removal of Fractured Posts Using Ultrasonic Vibration: An In Vivo Study

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ultrasonic vibration in the removal of fractured posts from teeth under true clinical conditions. Thirty patients (16 men and 14 women with a mean age of 51 yr, SD 13.13) had ultrasonic vibration applied to the side of a fractured post fragment after creation of a small gutter around the fragment. A piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler was used to apply the vibration for two 15-s periods and then 30-s periods until the post fragment became loose. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.52, p = 0.003) between the cemented length of post fragment (mean length 3.8 mm, SD 1.39) and the time of ultrasonic vibration application (mean time 2.05 min, SD 1.62), but the correlation between post diameter and ultrasonic time did not reach statistical significance (r = 0.35, p = 0.059). The mean ultrasonic time was approximately 25% of that found in previous studies on post removal from extracted teeth probably because of suboptimal cementation of posts in the clinical situation.

The Effect of a Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Scaler with Curette Tip on Casting Gold Removal in Vitro

The Effect of a Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Scaler with Curette Tip on Casting Gold Removal in Vitro

The Effect of a Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Scaler with Curette Tip on Root Substitute Removal in Vitro

The Effect of a Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Scaler with Curette Tip on Root Substitute Removal in Vitro

The effect of working parameters on root substance removal using a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler in vitro.

This study assessed defect depth and volume resulting from root instrumentation using a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with a slim scaling tip in vitro. Combinations of the following working parameters were analyzed: lateral forces of 0.5 N, 1 N, and 2 N; tip angulations of 0 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees; power settings of low, medium and high; and instrumentation time of 10 s, 20 s, 40 s, and 80 s. Defects were quantified using a 3D optical laser scanner. Overall, lateral force had the greatest influence on defect volume compared to instrument power setting and tip angulation (beta-weights 0.49 +/- 0.04, 0.25 +/- 0.04, and 0.14 +/- 0.04, respectively). The effects on defect depth were highest for tip angulation followed by lateral force and instrument power setting (beta-weights 0.48 +/- 0.04, 0.34 +/- 0.04, and 0.25 +/- 0.04, respectively). Interestingly, at all power settings, the highest defect volume and depth by far were found after combining 45 degrees tip angulation with 2 N of lateral force. The efficacy of the assessed piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler may be adapted to the various clinical needs by adjusting the lateral force, tip angulation, and power setting. To prevent severe root damage it is crucial to use the assessed scaler at a tip angulation of close to 0 degrees.