Ultrasonic Scaler Tip Research Articles

Effect of a metallic ultrasonic scaler tip on titanium surfaces: a preliminary study

Effect of a metallic ultrasonic scaler tip on titanium surfaces: a preliminary study

A Comparative Evaluation of Root Surface Roughness After Instrumentation with Gracey Curettes, Ultrasonic and Piezo-Surgery Driven Diamond Coated Tips: An In-Vitro SEM Study

Background To evaluate root surface roughness after instrumentation with Gracey curettes Ultrasonic scaler and diamond coated piezo-surgery tips using scanning electron microscope SEM.Methods Sixty-six mandibular premolar teeth indicated for extraction were collected stored mounted and analysed. These were divided randomly into three groups with 22 samples in each group. In Group A instrumentation was done with Gracey curettes Group B with ultrasonic scaler and Group C with piezosurgery driven diamond coated tips. The samples were then subjected to SEM analysis at a magnification of 1500x. The collected data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square test t test ANOVA and other necessary statistical tests were used. P lt0.05 was considered to be significant. The analysis of the data was carried out using SPSS version 20 software.Results Multiple comparisons of mean surface roughness scores showed no significant difference between Gracey curette and Ultrasonic scaler tip P0.063. No statistical significant difference was found between Gracey curette and Piezo surgical unit P0.984. However there was a statistically significant difference between Ultrasonic scaler tip and Piezo surgical unit P lt0.004. It can be inferred from the results that the surface roughness is different in both Ultrasonic scaler tip and Piezo surgical unit groups.Conclusion The use of diamond-coated tips tends to produce more surface roughness than routinely used ultrasonic scaler tips and manual instrumentation.

An In-Vitro Analysis of Root Fracture Strength Using Single File Systems.

Aim Root canal obturation during endodontic therapy supports the root canal space and helps the extra tooth structure resist fracture.Some believe endodontic-treated teeth are more likely to break than natural teeth. The most common causes of tooth decay are endodontic treatment's extensive tooth structure loss and coronal and radicular dentin drying. Materials and methods Two hundred removed human permanent mandibular first molars were allowed to be stored in isotonic saline solution for a maximum of 72 hours. The collection, storing, sterilizing, and handling of the samples were done per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)guidelines. Out of a total of 200 newly removed mandibular first molars, 120 teethwere finally gathered, sterilized, and kept in 1% thymol in normal saline at 30 degrees Celsius. The access cavity was prepared, and the pulp chamber was cleaned and debridedusing an ultrasonic scaler tip while being irrigated with regular saline. A digital radiograph was taken after a 6# K file was placed to the working length in the mesiobuccal canal.Based on their weights, the samples were dispersed equally across the sixgroups (n=20). They looked inside them to ensure that the root morphology was normal and that the canal was open and free of any abnormalities, damage, or fillings. They looked at the curvature of the mesial root and chose samples with a curvature of 20-35 degrees. The mesial roots were dissected, labeled, and put in a different location. Results Overall, the experimental group'sincidence of buccolingual fractures was 55%, making it the most prevalent fracture type. The mesiodistal type of fracture had a 35% incidence rate, which was the second most prevalent. We found that comminuted and transverse fractures occurred in only 15% and 5% of patients, respectively, of all fractures.Both the test and the control groups had a disproportionately high number of buccolingual fractures. When comparing the root fracture loads of the two experimental groups, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) Conclusion Within this study's restrictions and standardization techniques, it can be concluded that the single file system-prepared roots' resistance to fracture was comparable to that of the control group. It is recommended to conduct additional research on these single file systems using different metrics and to assess them in a clinical setting.

SG-APSIC1045: A quantitative assessment of ATP bioluminescence on dental instruments reprocessed by automated washer-disinfector and ultrasonic machine

Objectives: Dental instruments are contaminated by blood and saliva during dental procedures. To prevent cross infection, all contaminants should be removed from the surfaces of instruments. Inadequate cleaning can hinder disinfection and sterilization process. To compare the cleaning efficacy of an automated washer–disinfector versus an ultrasonic machine on dental instruments, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements were compared. Methods: From National University Polyclinic Bukit Panjang Dental Services, we collected 2 loads of 40 dental instruments previously used in dental treatments: extraction forceps, high-volume suction tips, Coupland elevators, matrix band holders, and ultrasonic scaler tips. At the point of use, gross soil was wiped from instrument surfaces with water. Each instrument was swabbed after cleaning either using a washer–disinfector or an ultrasonic machine. The relative light units (RLU) on the luminometer indicated the amount of ATP contaminants and residue bioburden present on the instruments. Results: The mean RLU values across all instruments in the washer–disinfector group was 2.5 times lower than the mean value of the instruments in the ultrasonic group (35.4 vs 89.9 RLU). This difference was statistically significant for all instrument groups except for the high-volume suction tips. The Mann-Whitney U test indicated that the RLU in the ultrasonic group was higher than the RLU for the washer–disinfector group for extraction forceps (P < .001), ultrasonic scaler tips (P < .023), and matrix bands (P < .006). A t test indicated the same relationship for Coupland elevators (P < .005). Conclusions: The mean RLU values for both cleaning methods were lower than the manufacturer’s benchmark (RLU ≤ 150), suggesting that both methods can achieve effective cleaning. However, cleaning using an automated washer–disinfector is significantly more effective than an ultrasonic machine for nonlumen instruments. The effectiveness of cleaning using ultrasonic machine varied greatly among different types of instruments with different design complexities.

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.

In Vitro Evaluation of Root Surface Roughness in The Use of an Ultrasonic Device with Different Tips Having Different Mechanism of Action: A Profilometric Study

Objective: The aim of this study was the profilometric evaluation of the changes in root surface roughness created by different types of ultrasonic tips and mechanism of action.&#x0D; Methods: Thirty root dentine samples obtained from 15 maxillary premolars, extracted for orthodontic reasons, were included in the study. The sample surfaces were embedded into acrylic blocks, polished, and divided into 3 study groups as linear oscillating device (LOD) with straight tip (ST); LOD with perio-curette tip (PCT); conventional ultrasonic scaler tip (CUST). A calibrated clinician instrumented all surfaces in each group. The root surfaces were evaluated before and after instrumentations with a profilometer device.&#x0D; Results: There were no statistical differences between the initial roughness values of the groups (p

Integrated effects of ultrasonic scaling and subgingival irrigation with 0.12% chlorhexidine by a newly designed ultrasonic scaler tip in chronic periodontitis.

To evaluate the integrated efficacy of completely simultaneous ultrasonic scaling and subgingival irrigation with chlorhexidine in chronic periodontitis. This was a split-mouth randomized controlled trial including 19 patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis. After calculus removal, the test side received simultaneous ultrasonic scaling and subgingival irrigation with 0.12% chlorhexidine, and the control side received simultaneous ultrasonic scaling and subgingival irrigation with distilled water. A newly designed ultrasonic scaler tip with a liquid outlet on the terminal was used. Clinical parameters were assessed, and gingival crevicular fluid was collected before treatment at baseline and 1.5, 3, and 6 months after baseline. On follow-up, both sides showed significant reductions in clinical parameters and concentration of inflammatory mediators in gingival crevicular fluid. Adjunct application of CHX resulted in an additional periodontal pocket reduction (0.27 to 0.29 mm, P < .05) compared to the control side, in sites with initial probing depth of 4 to 5 mm. Within the initial probing depth ≥ 6 mm, the additional probing depth reduction was 0.44 to 0.60 mm (P < .05), with clinical attachment loss, concentration of interleukin-6, and concentration of matrix metalloproteinase-8 being 0.32 to 0.38 mm, 2.64 to 3.40 µg/L, and 19.78 to 22.39 ng/L, respectively (all P < .05). In this study, treatment outcomes of chronic periodontitis could be improved by treating the root surface with simultaneous ultrasonic scaling and chlorhexidine irrigation. The adjunctive use of 0.12% chlorhexidine with a newly designed ultrasonic scaler tip in the treatment of moderate to severe chronic periodontitis demonstrated significant clinical benefits and decrease in inflammatory mediator when compared with scaling and root planing plus placebo.

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.

Efficacy of (\u2212)-epigallocatechin gallate delivered by a new-type scaler tip during scaling and root planing on chronic periodontitis: a split-mouth, randomized clinical trial

Background(−)-Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) as green tea catechins possessed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects on periodontal disease. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological efficacy of scaling and root planing (SRP) using EGCG aqueous solution as coolants through a new-type ultrasonic scaler tip on chronic periodontitis.MethodsThis split-mouth, randomized clinical trial included 20 patients (2 drop-outs) with chronic periodontitis and the maxillary contra-lateral sides were allocated into test and control groups randomly. Through the new-type scaler tip, 762 sites with probing depth (PD) ≥ 4 mm were treated by SRP using EGCG solution or distilled water as coolants respectively. Clinical parameters and red complex pathogens in subgingival microbiome were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months after treatments.ResultsDuring 6 months, the SRP plus EGCG medication contributed to additional PD reduction as 0.33 mm and gain of clinical attachment level as 0.3 mm compared with SRP alone, and approximate 8% more sites obtained PD reduction ≥ 2 mm (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the mean relative abundance of Tannerella forsythia was significantly lower in the combined treatment group (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe purified EGCG showed the potential to improve the outcome of periodontal non-surgical treatment and the new-type scaler tip provided an alternative vehicle for subgingival medication.Trial registration The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 15 February 2020 (No.: ChiCTR2000029831, retrospectively registered). http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=49441.

Mechanical Properties and Wear Resistance of Commercial Stainless Steel Used in Dental Instruments.

The aim of this study was to investigate the element composition and grain size of commercial dental instruments used for ultrasonic scaler tips, which are composed of stainless-steel materials. The differences in mechanical properties and wear resistances were compared. The samples were classified into 4 groups in accordance with the manufacturer, Electro Medical Systems, 3A MEDES, DMETEC and OSUNG MND, and the element compositions of each stainless-steel ultrasonic scaler tip were analyzed with micro-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μXRF) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). One-way ANOVA showed that there were significant differences in shear strength and Vickers hardness among the stainless-steel ultrasonic scaler tips depending on the manufacturer (p < 0.05). The mass before and after wear were found to have no significant difference among groups (p > 0.05), but there was a significant difference in the wear volume loss (p < 0.05). The results were then correlated with μXRF results as well as observations of grain size with optical microscopy, which concluded that the Fe content and the grain size of the stainless steel have significant impacts on strength. Additionally, stainless-steel ultrasonic scaler tips with higher Vickers hardness values showed greater wear resistance, which would be an important wear characteristic for clinicians to check.

Imaging and Quantification of the Area of Fast-Moving Microbubbles Using a High-Speed Camera and Image Analysis.

An experimental and image analysis technique is presented for imaging cavitation bubbles and calculating their area. The high-speed imaging experimental technique and image analysis protocol presented here can also be applied for imaging microscopic bubbles in other fields of research; therefore, it has a wide range of applications. We apply this to image cavitation around dental ultrasonic scalers. It is important to image cavitation to characterize it and to understand how it can be exploited for various applications. Cavitation occurring around dental ultrasonic scalers can be used as a novel method of dental plaque removal, which would be more effective and cause less damage than current periodontal therapy techniques. We present a method for imaging the cavitation bubble clouds occurring around dental ultrasonic scaler tips using a high-speed camera and a zoom lens. We also calculate the area of cavitation using machine learning image analysis. Open source software is used for image analysis. The image analysis presented is easy to replicate, does not require programming experience, and can be modified easily to suit the application of the user.

Improved biofilm removal using cavitation from a dental ultrasonic scaler vibrating in carbonated water

The use of cavitation for improving biofilm cleaning is of great interest. There is no system at present that removes the biofilm from medical implants effectively and specifically from dental implants. Cavitation generated by a vibrating dental ultrasonic scaler tip can clean biomaterials such as dental implants. However, the cleaning process must be significantly accelerated for clinical applications. In this study we investigated whether the cavitation could be increased, by operating the scaler in carbonated water with different CO2 concentrations. The cavitation around an ultrasonic scaler tip was recorded with high speed imaging. Image analysis was used to calculate the area of cavitation. Bacterial biofilm was grown on surfaces and its removal was imaged with a high speed camera using the ultrasonic scaler in still and carbonated water. Cavitation increases significantly with increasing carbonation. Cavitation also started earlier around the tips when they were in carbonated water compared to non-carbonated water. Significantly more biofilm was removed when the scaler was operated in carbonated water. Our results suggest that using carbonated water could significantly increase and accelerate cavitation around ultrasonic scalers in a clinical situation and thus improve biofilm removal from dental implants and other biomaterials.

The effect of standoff distance and surface roughness on biofilm disruption using cavitation.

Effective biofilm removal from surfaces in the mouth is a clinical challenge. Cavitation bubbles generated around a dental ultrasonic scaler are being investigated as a method to remove biofilms effectively. It is not known how parameters such as surface roughness and instrument distance from biofilm affect the removal. We grew Strepotococcus sanguinis biofilms on coverslips and titanium discs with varying surface roughness (between 0.02–3.15 μm). Experimental studies were carried out for the biofilm removal using high speed imaging and image analysis to calculate the area of biofilm removed at varying ultrasonic scaler standoff distances from the biofilm. We found that surface roughness up to 2 μm does not adversely affect biofilm removal but a surface roughness of 3 μm caused less biofilm removal. The standoff distance also has different effects depending on the surface roughness but overall a distance of 1 mm is just as effective as a distance of 0.5 mm. The results show significant biofilm removal due to an ultrasonic scaler tip operating for only 2s versus 15-60s in previous studies. The technique developed for high speed imaging and image analysis of biofilm removal can be used to investigate physical biofilm disruption from biomaterial surfaces in other fields.

Periodontal Diseases and their Surgical Management in Dogs

The present retrospective surveillance (n = 48) and actual dental scaling (n = 20) work were conducted on dogs of either sex from 2 to 12 years in different breeds with periodontal diseases (PD) presented to the VCC, Junagadh. Among the 48 retrospective cases, the higher incidence was recorded in dogs above 6 years of age (56.25 %) followed by 3-6 years (37.5 %) and less than 3 years of age (6.25 %), particularly affecting male dogs (70.83 %). Pomeranian/Spitz breed was affected the most (39.58 %, 19/48), followed by German shepherd (16.67 %), Labrador retriever (14.58 %), non-descript (14.58 %), and other 4 to 6%. The highest incidence of stage 4 PD was noticed in the dogs of &gt; 6 years of age (53.84 %). Among 20 dogs of the current year, the major complaint was halitosis (70 %) and sticky salivation (55 %), followed by anorexia (35 %), pawing at mouth (20 %) and facial swelling (15 %). 11 out of 20 dogs (55 %) were maintained on a purely vegetarian diet and rest 9 (45 %) on veg and non-veg diet. Oral examination of dogs revealed a varying degree of dental plaque in all 20 cases (100 %), followed by dental calculus (85 %), gingival recession (45 %), gingival hyperplasia (30 %) and tooth fracture (15 %). Plaque index (PI) 2 was observed maximum in 11 (55 %) dogs, followed by PI 1 in 7 (35 %) and PI 3 in 2 (10 %) dogs. Dogs suffered maximum with CI 2 type calculus (45 %), followed by CI 1 (25 %) and CI 3 (20 %). Furcation of a varying degree was noticed only in 8 40% dogs out of 20, which was classified as FE 1 in 4 (20 %), followed by FE 3 and FE 2 in 2 cases each (10 %). In 13 out of 20 dogs, periodontal probing depth was less than 3 mm, whereas it was 4 mm and &gt; 5 mm in 4 (20 %) and 3 (15 %) dogs, respectively. Most effective dental scaling could be performed under diazepam-ketamine general anesthesia by using an ultrasonic piezo scaler tip at a 45° angle to the tooth surface for removal of calculus.

High speed imaging of biofilm removal from a dental implant model using ultrasonic cavitation

ObjectivesCurrent instruments cannot clean in between dental implant threads and effectively remove biofilm from the rough implant surface without damaging it. Cavitation bubbles have the potential to disrupt biofilms. The aim of this study was to see how biofilms can be disrupted using non-contact cavitation from an ultrasonic scaler, imaged inside a restricted implant pocket model using high speed imaging. MethodsStreptococcus sanguinis biofilm was grown for 7 days on dental implants. The implants were placed inside a custom made restricted pocket model and immersed inside a water tank. An ultrasonic scaler tip was placed 0.5mm away from the implant surface and operated at medium power or high power for 2s. The biofilm removal process was imaged using a high speed camera operating at 500 fps. Image analysis was used to calculate the amount of biofilm removed from the high speed images. Scanning electron microscopy was done to visualize the implant surface after cleaning. ResultsCavitation was able to remove biofilm from dental implants. More biofilm was removed at high power. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the implant surface was clean at the points where the cavitation was most intense. High speed imaging showed biofilm removal underneath implant threads, in areas next to the ultrasonic scaler tip. SignificanceA high speed imaging protocol has been developed to visualize and quantify biofilm removal from dental implants in vitro. Cavitation bubbles from dental ultrasonic scalers are able to successfully disrupt biofilm in between implant threads.

How does ultrasonic cavitation remove dental bacterial biofilm?

Bacterial biofilm accumulation is problematic in many areas, leading to biofouling in the marine environment and the food industry, and infections in healthcare. Physical disruption of biofilms has become an important area of research. In dentistry, biofilm removal is essential to maintain health. The aim of this study is to observe biofilm disruption due to cavitation generated by a dental ultrasonic scaler (P5XS, Acteon) using a high speed camera and determine how this is achieved. Streptococcus sanguinis biofilm was grown on Thermanox™ coverslips (Nunc, USA) for 4days. After fixing and staining with crystal violet, biofilm removal was imaged using a high speed camera (AX200, Photron). An ultrasonic scaler tip (tip 10P) was held 2mm away from the biofilm and operated for 2s. Bubble oscillations were observed from high speed image sequences and image analysis was used to track bubble motion and calculate changes in bubble radius and velocity on the surface. The results demonstrate that most of the biofilm disruption occurs through cavitation bubbles contacting the surface within 2s, whether individually or in cavitation clouds. Cleaning occurs through shape oscillating microbubbles on the surface as well as through fluid flow.

Numerical investigation of cavitation generated by an ultrasonic dental scaler tip vibrating in a compressible liquid.

Bacterial biofilm accumulation around dental implants is a significant problem leading to peri-implant diseases and implant failure. Cavitation occurring in the cooling water around ultrasonic scaler tips can be used as a novel solution to remove debris without any surface damage. However, current clinically available instruments provide insufficient cavitation around the activated tip surface. To solve this problem a critical understanding of the vibro-acoustic behaviour of the scaler tip and the associated cavitation dynamics is necessary. In this research, we carried out a numerical study for an ultrasound dental scaler with a curved shape tip vibrating in water, using ABAQUS based on the finite element method. We simulated the three-dimensional, nonlinear and transient interaction between the vibration and deformation of the scaler tip, the water flow around the scaler and the cavitation formation and dynamics. The numerical model was well validated with the experiments and there was excellent agreement for displacement at the free end of the scaler. A systematic parametric study has been carried out for the cavitation volume around the scaler tip in terms of the frequency, amplitude and power of the tip vibration. The numerical results indicate that the amount of cavitation around the scaler tip increases with the frequency and amplitude of the vibration. However, if the frequency is far from the natural frequency, the cavitation volume around the free end decreases due to reduced free end vibration amplitude.

On the use of ultrasonic dental scaler tips as cleaning technique of microfiltration ceramic membranes

The use of ultrasonic dental scaler (UDS) tips has been investigated for cleaning ceramic membranes fouled when filtering cactus juice. Thin and long tips having a larger coverage exhibited the best performance for removing the cake layer deposited on the membrane surface. Such tips cleaned an area equivalent to almost one third of total area of the membrane surface. However, the cleaned area could be increased notoriously if the membrane were placed in rotatory disc holder. The resistance-in series model and atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique helped to reveal the effect of the UDS tips as cleaning process of ceramic membranes. The reversible resistances estimated for UDS tips were 58% and 17% lower than the ones obtained by chemical cleaning at transmembrane pressures of 0.3 bar and 0.5 bar, respectively. This was corroborated by microscope images, which showed the detachment of cake layer of the membrane surface. Results of this work showed that UDS tips are an innovative option as cleaning strategy for filtration membranes.

Comparison of a Novel Ultrasonic Scaler Tip vs. Conventional Design on a Titanium Surface.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the alterations of a titanium surface after treatment with two different types of ultrasonic tips: conventional steel versus an innovative copper alloy silver-plated one. Twenty smooth-surface, grade IV unalloyed titanium discs were divided into two groups. The discs were ultrasonically instrumented and the scaler was connected with a loading machine. The surface morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fractal analysis of lacunarity was calculated to highlight the alteration of the surface using the two different tips. The SEM analysis showed different degrees of surface roughness between the two types of scaler tips. Moreover, these observations demonstrated that the new tip showed fewer irregularities on the disc’s surface than the conventional steel tip. The statistical and fractal analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Surface alterations of titanium induced by the conventional ultrasonic tips were much greater than those made by copper alloy silver plated tips. The presented results suggest that the use of this new ultrasonic tip may reduce the alterations on the implant surface during its use in dental practice.

Evaluation of the safety and efficiency of novel metallic implant scaler tips manufactured by the powder injection molding technique

BackgroundAlthough many studies have compared the properties of ultrasonic scaling instruments, it remains controversial as to which is most suitable for implant scaling. This study evaluated the safety and efficiency of novel metallic ultrasonic scaler tips made by the powder injection molding (PIM) technique on titanium surfaces.MethodsMechanical instrumentation was carried out using four types of metal scaler tips consisting of copper (CU), bronze (BR), 316 L stainless steel (316 L), and conventional stainless steel (SS) tips. The instrumented surface alteration image of samples was viewed with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface profile of the each sample was investigated with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) and maximum height roughness (Rmax) of titanium samples were measured and dissipated power of the scaler tip was estimated for scaling efficiency.ResultsThe average Ra values caused by the 316 L and SS tip were about two times higher than those of the CU and BR tips (p < 0.05). The Rmax value showed similar results. The efficiency of the SS tip was about 3 times higher than that of CU tip, the 316 L tip is about 2.7 times higher than that of CU tip, and the BR tip is about 1.2 times higher than that of CU tip.ConclusionsNovel metallic bronze alloy ultrasonic scaler tip minimally damages titanium surfaces, similar to copper alloy tip. Therefore, this bronze alloy scaler tip may be promising instrument for implant maintenance therapy.