Plastic Scaler Research Articles

Probing and Scaling Instrumentation on Implant Abutment Surfaces

To investigate surface roughness on the apical collar of implant abutments caused by probing and scaling instruments. Fourteen transmucosal abutments (BioHorizons, Atlanta, GA) and 4 instruments: UNC-15 metal probe, Periowise plastic probe, McCall SM 17/18 metal scaler, and universal plastic scaler were used to conduct the study. Four abutments were used for nontreated measures, and 10 abutments were treated with the 4 indicated instruments. Surface roughness was assessed with a contact profilometer. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in surface roughness between the treated and untreated surfaces (P < 0.0001). Add hoc analysis using Tukey-Kramer honestly significant difference test showed no statistical differences between untreated measures and metal probe measures. On the other hand, statistical differences were noted between untreated measures with plastic probe measures (P = 0.05), plastic scaler measures (P = 0.05), and metal scaler measures (P = 0.05). The metal scaler measures were higher than plastic probe measures (P = 0.05) and plastic scaler measures (P = 0.05). Probing around implant abutments with a metal probe seems to have no effect on abutment surfaces. In contrast, instrumentation with scalers (metal and plastic) and plastic probe may cause surface roughness.

The Comparative Effect of Ultrasonic Scalers on Titanium Surfaces: An In Vitro Study

Professional maintenance is as important for patients with dental implants as it is for patients with natural teeth. However, no proper maintenance instruments have been available for implant patients. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effects of a new ultrasonic scaler (VR), a conventional ultrasonic scaler (SP), and a plastic scaler (PS) on titanium surfaces. To simulate subgingival conditions, the implant healing abutments were connected to acrylic resin blocks with artificial gingiva using silicon impression material. The abutments were painted with ink as an artificial form of debris. The ink was removed with the VR, SP, or PS scaler for 60 seconds under standardized conditions, and the removal rate was calculated. The roughness of the abutment surface was measured with a profilometer and observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The removal rate using the VR and SP scalers was higher than that using the PS scaler. No significant differences in the surface roughness or SEM observations were found among the VR, SP, or PS scalers. In this preliminary study, the new ultrasonic scaler and conventional ultrasonic scaler were shown to be useful for removing artificial debris and produced no significant damage to titanium surfaces compared to plastic scalers. We concluded that new and conventional ultrasonic scalers with a non-metal tip would be suitable for implant maintenance.

In vitro studies on the effect of cleaning methods on different implant surfaces.

The effect of specific cleaning procedures was examined on the surfaces of 3 implant types with different coatings and shapes (plasma sprayed [PS]; hydroxyapatite coated [HA] implants; and smooth titanium surface screws) using a scanning electron microscope. Each implant was treated for 60 seconds per instrument with one of 6 different hygiene measures: plastic curet, metal curet, diamond polishing device, ultrasonic scaler, air-powder-water spray with sodium hydrocarbonate solution, and chlorhexidine 0.1% solution rinse. The air-powder-abrasive system, chlorhexidine rinse, and curettage with a plastic instrument caused little or no surface damage in all but the hydroxyapatite-coated fixtures. Therefore, these 3 methods were tested to determine their cleaning efficacy in a second clinical study, which did not include the HA-coated fixture. Two implants were placed on the facial aspects of both upper molar regions using individual acrylic plates. Thus, 2 fixtures on each side were examined in each patient. The examination revealed that only the sodium hydrocarbonate spray yielded a clean fixture without damage to the implant surface. In a third stage, which imitated the clinical procedure of the second approach, the cell growth of mouse-fibroblasts on implant surfaces was examined after cleaning the surface with plastic scaler and the air-abrasive system, which represents the least damaging and most effective methods. In contrast to the implant surfaces treated with plastic scalers, mostly vital cells were found on implants sprayed with the air-abrasive system.

Cement removal from restorations luted to titanium abutments with simulated subgingival margins

Statement of problem. The process of removing excess cement from subgingival margins after cementation of restorations to implant abutments may lead to scratching of the abutments or incomplete cement removal. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate and to compare the surfaces of abutments after the removal of three cements (glass ionomer, resin, and zinc phosphate) by use of three instruments (gold coated scaler, rigid plastic scaler, and stainless steel explorer). Material and methods. Six investigators removed zinc phosphate, glass ionomer, and resin cements with explorers, gold coated scalers, and rigid plastic scalers with a model simulating clinical conditions. The surface of Brånemark abutments with cemented restorations were examined with a microscope at 20× for scratches and cement remnants. Results. Statistical analysis of the results were inconclusive about which combination of instrument and cement worked most effectively. Conclusion. A surprising amount of cement remnants and scratching of abutments was observed. Although the six investigators were experienced in prosthodontic and implant procedures, there was variation in the results of their cement removal. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;78:43-7.)

Effect of hygiene instrumentation on titanium abutments: A scanning electron microscopy study

Implant abutments can be exposed to a variety of oral prophylaxis procedures. In this in vitro study, titanium abutments were subjected to five oral prophylaxis treatment modalities; a metal scaler, a plastic scaler, a rubber cup, a rubber cup with tin oxide, and an air-powder abrasive. The abutment surfaces were then examined under both light and scanning electron microscopes. The metal scaler was seen to roughen the titanium surface. All other modalities tested appeared to smooth the titanium surface by removing surface debris and rounding off the sharp machined grooves present on the untreated abutment surface.

Microbiologic Characterization of Ligature‐Induced Peri‐Implantitis in the Microswine Model

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiologic changes associated with induction of peri-implantitis in the microswine. A split-mouth design was utilized. Three implants were placed in the edentulous mandibular bicuspid region of 2 microswine yielding 12 implants for evaluation. The experimental implant abutments were ligated with 4-0 silk suture material to induce peri-implantitis for a period of 45 days. The control implant abutments were not ligated. The control implants were scaled and cleaned at each time interval using plastic scalers. The attachment level (AL), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) were measured at day 0 (baseline) and days 14 and 45. Microbiologic samples were taken from the "sulcus" with paper points at each interval and were dispersed in prereduced media; plated on selective and non-selective media; and grown under aerobic, anaerobic, and capnophilic atmospheres. A greater AL, increased PD, and higher GI and PI scores were noted among the experimental implants. The controls remained essentially unchanged. Radiographs revealed that experimental implants showed an increased amount of bone loss when compared to control. Bone loss caused the implant threads to be exposed in the experimental implants. Microbiologic studies revealed that there was a shift from Gram-positive facultative organisms to Gram-negative obligate anaerobes, including black pigmented Bacteroides, in experimental implants. The microbiota of the control implants remained primarily Gram-positive facultative organisms. The microswine appears to be a suitable animal model for evaluation of osseointegrated implants. Importantly, under the experimental conditions reported, osseointegrated implants were susceptible to "periodontal" breakdown or peri-implantitis.