Sonic Tip Research Articles

In vitro pilot study comparing a novel implantoplasty sonic instrumentation protocol with a conventional protocol using burs.

The aim of implantoplasty (IP) is to remove titanium implant layers that have been contaminated and to smoothen the implant surfaces so they retain less plaque. However, existing IP methods are very invasive and reduce implant wall thickness. To investigate the suitability of novel sonic tips in IP and to compare this novel protocol with conventional abrasive procedures. Thirty dental implants (Ø 4.1 mm, 10 mm length) were distributed in three groups and investigated according to the protocol of Sivolella etal., with modifications to the instrument's feed rate, the applied contact force, and the speed of implant rotations per minute. The upper third of the implant was processed with a diamond-coated bur (BUR) or novel non-diamond-coated sonic tips (AIRSCALER). After standardized IP, the surfaces were analyzed by tactile profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Changes in implant weight, implant material loss, and implant fracture strength were assessed. The mean roughness (Ra , Sa ), implant material loss, and change in implant weight were significantly lower in the AIRSCALER group than in the BUR group, whereas the mean compression resistance values were significantly higher in the AIRSCALER group than in the BUR group. IP with uncoated sonic tips smoothes the surfaces and reduces structural loss of the implant in the area of microthreads. This new IP method could be of great clinical importance, especially for implants with microthreads and reduced diameter or wall thickness.

Implantoplasty: Carbide burs vs diamond sonic tips. An in vitro study

Implantoplasty (IP) is a treatment option for peri-implantitis. Mechanical concerns were raised on fracture resistance of implants subjected to this procedure. This study aimed to compare two methods of IP in terms of implant wear and fracture resistance, and of surface topography. Eighteen cylindrical screw-shaped dental implants (4mm diameter, 13mm length) with an external hexagonal connection were used. IP was performed on the first 6-mm implant surface with a sequence of burs or diamond sonic tips, both followed by an Arkansas finishing. IP duration and implant weight variation were recorded. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to evaluate material loss. Implant fracture resistance was assessed by static compression test. Surface topography analysis was performed with a stylus profilometer. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) was applied for implant surface morphology and elemental characterization. Micro-CT showed less material loss in sonic compared to burs. No statistically significant difference was found between the mean fracture resistance values reached in bur and sonic, both followed by Arkansas, and with respect to control. IP performed with burs led to a smoother surface compared to sonic. Equivalent final surface roughness was found after Arkansas in both IP procedures. SEM-EDS showed a deburring effect associated to sonic and revealed carbon and aluminum peaks attributable to contamination with sonic diamond tips and Arkansas bur, respectively. IP with sonic diamond tips was found to be more conservative in terms of structure loss. This could have a clinical relevance in case of narrow-diameter implants.

Comparative Investigation of Cutting Devices on Bone Blocks: An SEM Morphological Analysis

Background: Bone regeneration is a reliable technique when the bone volume is insufficient to provide a functional and aesthetic outcome in surgery and implantoprosthesis procedures. When bone blocks are used but do not match the shape of the defect, the block must be adapted. The aim of our research was to evaluate, by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) morphological observation, how different cutting devices modify the bone surface. Method: Four equine bone blocks were divided into 15 cubic shape samples with ultrasonic and sonic tips, as well as diamond, tungsten carbide, and Lindemann burs. The uncut surface of the obtained bone block was used as a control. Two observers independently analyzed the SEM observation recording, including cut precision, depth of incision, thermal damages, and presence of bone debris. For each group, sharpness, depth, carbonization, and bone debris were expressed as mean values. Results: The osteotomy performed with an ultrasonic tip shows the best results, preserving the bone morphology in both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The bone surface appeared sufficiently clean from debris and showed a reduced presence of carbonization. Conclusion: The shaping of the bone block as in vivo osteotomy respects the bone morphology and allows it to achieve the relevant biological and clinical outcome.

Liquid phase exfoliation of carbonate-intercalated layered double hydroxides.

Direct exfoliation of a carbonate layered double hydroxide (LDH) has been achieved by using a novel horn-probe sonic tip, avoiding the development of time-consuming anion-exchange reactions. The most suitable solvents were chosen based on the Hildebrand solubility parameters and the thickness of the exfoliated nanosheets confirmed unambiguously the successful delamination.

Effects of size and operating mode of sonically oscillating files on irrigant extrusion

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of size and oscillation frequency of sonic tips on irrigant extrusion during activation. Materials and Methods: Twenty artificial maxillary molar tooth models were used in this study. The palatinal canal of each model was prepared up to final apical size of #40. Each specimen was mounted on a glass vial filled with saline solution to simulate a periapical lesion. The mean initial weights were measured using an analytical balance with 10-5 g accuracy. Then, a series of irrigations were conducted according to the size (15/.02, 25/.04, 35/.04) and operating mode/speed (low, medium, high) of the sonic tips. In control group, the irrigant was delivered by placing the needle tip at the access cavosurface, without the insertion and activation of the sonic tip. The mean weights of apically extruded irrigant were calculated by subtracting the mean initial weights from the final weights of test apparatus. Data were statistically analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Siegel Castellan tests. Results: The use of 15/.02 tips resulted in higher irrigant extrusion than the control only at high speed while the 35/.04 tips only at low speed (p < 0.05). The 25/.04 tips presented higher extrusion than the control with all operating modes (p < 0.05). At high speed mode, both the 15/.02 and 25/.04 tips were associated with higher irrigant extrusion than the 35/.04 tips (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Both the size and oscillation frequency of the sonic tips had significant effects on extrusion during sonically activated irrigation.

Influence of size and taper of basic root canal preparation on root canal cleanliness: a scanning electron microscopy study.

To investigate whether a minimally invasive basic root canal preparation technique has an influence on root canal cleanliness in extracted mandibular molar teeth. A total of 80 root canals (40 mesio-buccal and 40 mesio-lingual) from 40 mandibular molars were included. The teeth were divided equally into four different experimental groups depending on the subsequently root canal preparation technique: Group 1: a basic preparation was performed up to size 20, .04 taper; Group 2: a basic preparation was performed up to size 2, .06 taper; Group 3: a basic preparation was performed up to size 25, .04 taper; and Group 4: a basic preparation was performed up to size 25, .06 taper. After the use of each instrument, each root canal was irrigated with 2.5mL of 6% sodium hypochlorite for 30s. Then, 1mL NaOCl was activated for 20s using an EDDY sonic tip. Final irrigation was performed using a total of 5mL of 17% EDTA solution. The roots were then split longitudinally and all root canal thirds were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the presence of superficial debris and smear layer using a scoring system. Data were statistically analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni tests with a level of significance set at P<0.05. In all groups, there was significantly more residual debris and smear layer in the apical third (P<0.05), with no differences between the middle and coronal thirds (P>0.05). For both the parameters analysed, there was no difference amongst the groups in the middle and coronal thirds (P>0.05), whilst in the apical third significantly less debris and smear layer was found in specimens from groups 3 and 4 than for groups 1 and 2 (P<0.05). All basic root canal preparation techniques were associated with less debris and smear layer on the canal walls in the middle and coronal thirds, without differences among them. Even though debris and smear layer were always present in the apical third, an apical size of 25 resulted in significantly cleaner canals walls compared to a size 20.

A comparative in vitro study of different techniques for removal of fibre posts from root canals

This study evaluates the effectiveness of different techniques to remove fibre posts from root filled teeth in vitro. One hundred and fifty-three extracted single-rooted teeth were decoronated, root-canal treated and divided into three groups (n = 51). Post spaces were prepared for different types of fibre posts: glass fibre, quartz fibre, carbon fibre. Each group was divided into three subgroups with regard to the post removal technique (n = 17): SonicFlex Endo, long-shaft round bur, DT-Post removal kit. Residual material, loss of dentine, working time and procedural errors were assessed using computed tomography. Statistical analysis was performed with a one-way anova (α = 0.05). The highest effectiveness was achieved with the sonic tip and the round bur. A high prevalence of perforations or severe deviations from the root axis was observed for all groups. No technique presented favourable results in all assessed parameters. There is a high risk of perforations.

To assess the Knowledge about the principles in using the Ultrasonic Scalers among the Undergraduates: A Questionnaire Study

To assess the Knowledge about the principles in using the ultrasonic scalers among the undergraduates: A questionnaire study. Aim-The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge among various undergraduate students in assessing the usage of ultrasonic scalers during scaling. Background-Ultrasonic scalers are being used widely now days for scaling. The correct usage of the ultra sonic scaler tip determines the efficient removal of plaque and calculus that is adherent to the tooth surface. An inefficient usage of the tip decreases the effectiveness of calculus removal; wear the teeth surface and the tip as well. Material And Methods-A total of 100 undergraduate students are included in the study. They are divided into 30 students in each group named as third year, final year and the interns. A questionnaire containing 15 questions that assess the knowledge of using ultrasonic scalers is given to each student and the statistics were calculated. Reason-The correct usage of ultrasonic scalers plays a pivotal role in removing the plaque and calculus but most of the undergraduate students are using the wrong side of the tip in removing it. This wrong way of learning enabling them to follow it in the practice and may cause destruction to the tooth and gums.

Effects of selected size of graphene nanosheets on the mechanical properties of polyacrylonitrile polymer

Mechanical properties of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer can be significantly improved by the incorporation of graphene nano-sheets of different sizes. The graphite was exfoliated to graphene using sonic tip in the presence of N-methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP) as a solvent. Exfoliated graphene was separated from unexfoliated graphitic crystallites using selected speed (rpm) of centrifuge for specific time. The exfoliated graphene nano-sheets were classified into two different groups on the basis of flake size, (i.e. 1 μm and 3.5 μm). Then these graphene sheets were incorporated into PAN to study the effects of their flake size on mechanical properties. Different mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation at break (dL at break) were studied. Young’s modulus and UTS improved more than 45 % and 25 %, for 3.5 μm graphene flake size respectively. While more than 40 % and 21 %, improvement in modulus and UTS for 1 μm graphene sheet were observed respectively.

Preparation of micro- and nano-emulsions of soybean oil and removal of sorbed phenanthrene from sandy soil

Soybean oil was used as a biodegradable extracting agent for the removal of sorbed phenanthrene (PHE) in sandy soil. In this study, several methods of forming emulsions using soybean oil and their extraction properties were investigated. The stable and homogeneous oil emulsions were formed more effectively by ultrasonication (U1) than by homogenization (H1). Moreover, homogenization before ultrasonication (HU1) established more stable emulsions than U1 alone. The mean diameter of oil droplets in U1 or HU1 was reduced to the nanometer range (approximately 70 nm) by U1 with 750W using a high-power sonic tip operated at 33% amplitude and 20 kHz frequency for 5 min. The extraction efficiency of sorbed PHE from soil by oil emulsions increased with decreasing size of droplets of oil emulsions; the maximum extraction of PHE was achieved with HU1. Thus, nano-emulsions of vegetable oil made by U1 could be an environmentally benign alternative for effectively washing soil.

Influence of air abrasion tips and operation modes on enamel-cutting characteristics

To assess the influence of air abrasion tips and system operation modes on enamel cutting. Forty bovine teeth were abraded with the air abrasion system Mach 4.1 for 10 and 15 seconds, employing conventional and sonic tips of 0.45-mm inner diameter and a 90° angle, and 27.5-μm aluminum oxide at 5.51 bar air pressure in continuous and pulsed modes. The width and depth of the resulting cuts were measured in SEM. The multivariate analysis of variances revealed that, compared to the sonic tip, the conventional tip produced shallower cuts independent of the operation mode and the application period. The cutting patterns observed in this study suggest that the pulsed mode produced deeper cuts when both the conventional and sonic tips were used, and that the sonic tip cut more dental tissue than the conventional one.

Maxillary sinus augmentation with a sonic handpiece for the osteotomy of the lateral window: A clinical report

Several techniques have been proposed to manage patients with insufficient bone height for implant placement in the posterior maxilla. The lateral approach to sinus elevation is a successful procedure, with percentages of success close to 100%. Unfortunately, a frequent complication encountered during sinus elevation procedure is perforation of the Schneiderian membrane. In this clinical report, the authors present the application of a diamond coated sonic tip and an air-driven sonic instrument, commonly used in prosthodontics for the preparation of the lateral window osteotomy during sinus augmentation procedures.

Evaluation of a Sonic Device Designed to Activate Irrigant in the Root Canal

Introduction The aims of this study were to evaluate the removal of dentin debris from the root canal by sonic or ultrasonic activation of the irrigant and the physical mechanisms of sonic activation by visualizing the oscillations of the sonic tip, both inside and outside the confinement of the root canal. Methods Roots of 18 canines were embedded, split, and prepared into standardized root canals. A standard groove was cut on the wall of one half of each root canal and filled with the same amount of dentin debris before irrigation procedures. The removal of dentin debris was evaluated after different irrigation procedures. The oscillations of the sonic tip were visualized ex vivo by using high-speed imaging at a time scale relevant to the irrigation process, and the oscillation amplitude of the tip was determined under 20× magnification. Results After irrigation, there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental groups ( P < .0001). Without irrigant activation, the grooves were still full of dentin debris. From the ultrasonic activated group, 89% of the canals were completely free of dentin debris, whereas from the sonic group, 5.5%–6.7% were ( P = .0001). There was no significant difference between the sonic activation groups. Conclusions Activation of the irrigant resulted in significantly more dentin debris removal; ultrasonic activation was significantly more efficient than sonic activation. The oscillation amplitude of the sonically driven tips is 1.2 ± 0.1 mm, resulting in much wall contact and no cavitation of the irrigant.

Complications and procedural mishaps during root canal treatment: Part I

Complications and procedural mishaps during root canal treatment: Part I

Comparative in vitro study of root roughness after instrumentation with ultrasonic and diamond tip sonic scaler

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the root surface roughness after instrumentation with hand curette and diamond-coated sonic and universal ultrasonic tips.Materials and Methods:Forty root surfaces of human teeth were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: control group (without instrumentation), curette instrumentation, ultrasonic instrumentation with universal tip and sonic instrumentation with diamond-coated tip. Each sample was instrumented with fifteen strokes. Before and after instrumentation, surface roughness was measured. In addition, the root surface topography was examined after treatment under the scanning electron microscope.Results:Significant statistical differences (p<0.05) were observed when comparing the control group (0.48±0.07mm) to the treated groups (hand - 1.246±0.279mm, ultrasonic - 1.468±0.177mm and sonic instrumentation - 1.576±0.20mm). The highest roughness was produced by diamond-coated sonic tip and by ultrasonic universal tip (p>0.05).Conclusion:The diamond-coated tip with sonic scaler instrumentation and ultrasonic instrumentation produce similar root surface roughness, higher than curette instrumentation.

Evaluation of different methods for the root-end cavity preparation

Objective The dentinal walls of root-end cavities were examined for the presence of cracks and debris in correlation with the area of the root surfaces that remained after the resection. Study design One hundred extracted single-rooted teeth were endodontically treated, mounted in acrylic resin blocks, and the apical 2 mm of the root-apex was resected. According to the resected root surface area the teeth were divided into 2 groups having large (>2 mm 2) or small (<2 mm 2) surface area. For retrograde cavity preparation 4 devices were used: slow-speed handpiece, diamond coated stainless steel ultrasonic tip, smooth stainless steel ultrasonic tips, and sonic diamond-coated tips. Teeth were examined under a videomicroscope for the presence of fractures, dentin chips, and gutta-percha remnants on cavity walls. Preparation time was also recorded. Results Preparation with smooth stainless steel ultrasonic tips produced few intradentin cracks. Dentin debris was more frequently seen in rotary preparations whereas gutta-percha remnants were seen mainly at ultrasonically prepared teeth. Conclusions Sonic and ultrasonic devices produced cleaner, well-centered, and more conservative root-end cavities than the rotary instrumentation. Cracks do not correlate directly with the surface area of the root-end surfaces but rather with the type of retrotip used to prepare the root-end cavity.

Effect of Sonic and Ultrasonic Retrograde Cavity Preparation on the Integrity of Root Apices of Freshly Extracted Human Teeth: Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis

Sonic and ultrasonic root-end preparation devices permit the preparation of conservative and straight cavities. However, microfractures and marginal chipping can occur due to the vibratory action of such instruments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of retrograde preparations by using sonic and ultrasonic tips on the integrity of root-end surfaces. Eighty, human anterior teeth were grouped according to size and treated as follows: treatment 1: root-end resection (RR) and root-end cavity preparation (RP) with KIS ultrasonic retrotip; treatment 2: RR and RP with Satelec S12/90 (no diamond coating) ultrasonic retrotip; treatment 3: RR and RP with a diamond-coated retrotip attached to a sonic device (Sonics); treatment 4: RR and RP with Satelec S12/90D (diamond coated) ultrasonic retrotip. The root-end surface topographies were assayed by means of polyvinylsiloxane impressions and epoxy resin replicas. SEM pictures of each sample were taken before and after preparation, and the images were evaluated by using an image processing and analysis system. The parameters evaluated were shape quality, presence of cracks, and marginal chipping. The results showed no statistically significant differences among anatomic groups, treatments, or tooth sizes (p > 0.05). Because treatment 3 removed more dental structure than the others did, its use on small teeth is inadvisable.

Sonothickening: Continuous In-line Concentration/Clarification of Fine Particle Suspensions by Power Ultrasound

A novel technique has been developed for the concentration of fine particle suspensions based on the transient response of particles smaller than 10 μm to ultrasound. Sonically induced particle velocities have been measured and magnitudes of the sonic forces acting on a particle in a suspension calculated over a range of particle sizes, sound frequencies, sound intensities and suspension concentrations. Particle velocities of up to about 12 ms−1 were obtained at the sonic transducer tip when the particle size is approximately 1 μm. The solid phase of the suspension acquired a higher velocity than the continuous liquid phase, facilitating velocity difference as the mechanism of concentration. An in line concentrator for suspensions was designed, utilizing this relative velocity and the trajectory deviation of the particles in the acoustic field. Using the novel concentrator it has been demonstrated that the concentration of suspensions could be increased by up to 50% in a single pass through the radiation field. Power intensities between 40 and 60 W cm−2 achieved the highest increases of suspension concentration. Operating and design variables such as feed velocity, feed concentration, particle size, ultrasonic intensity and frequency were investigated experimentally.

Instrumentation of furcation with modified sonic scaler inserts: a study on manikins (II).

We developed a sonic scaler tip with an ellipsoid diamond-coated bud and contra-angulated shafts to overcome problems resulting from furcation anatomy. In this study, extracted molars were instrumented in a dummy model without any replicated soft tissues using 3 different instrumentation methods (i) curettes, (ii) diamond-coated sonic scaler tips with normal handle and (iii) diamond-coated sonic scaler tips in 2 handles with varying power levels. 15 extracted upper and lower molars were instrumented using each of the 3 instrumentation types. Following debridement, loss of substance and % of furcation area instrumented were assessed. In both upper and lower molars, significantly more surface area was instrumented in one instrumentation run with diamond-coated tips than with curettes. Substance loss was greater with diamond-coated tips than with hand instruments. In conclusion, an effective debridement of the furcation roof seems only possible with odontoplasty. Clinical evaluation of this approach to root debridement is needed.

Instrumentation of furcation with modified sonic scaler inserts: study on manikins, part I.

The purpose of this study was to determine the suitability of different scaling instruments for the debridement of furcations. 12 upper and 12 lower replicated molars with through-and-through furcations were instrumented 3x with 5 different types of instruments: (i) hand instruments; (ii) hand instruments in conjunction with diamond burrs; (iii) a conventional ultrasonic scaler insert; (iv) a conventional sonic scaler insert; (v) a set of 2 modified diamond coated sonic scaler inserts with different angulated shafts. The plastic replicas were fixed in a manikin head without replicated soft tissues. Following debridement, weight loss and % of instrumented furcation area were assessed. In the case of lower molars, it made little difference whether they were treated with hand instruments, hand instruments combined with diamond burrs, or diamond-coated sonic scaler inserts. On upper molars, however, significantly more area was instrumented with the diamond-coated inserts than with the other instruments. Substance removal was greater with diamond-coated inserts than with the other devices. In conclusion, an effective debridement of the furcation seems possible only with an odontoplasty, in which a furcation is fitted to the instrument by means of intensive instrumentation, thus leading to substance loss. To improve results with these instruments, further research is necessary.