Safety and efficiency of novel sonic scaler tips in vitro

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate a novel sonic scaler tip for subgingival root surface instrumentation combining high efficiency in calculus removal with minimized risk of root damage through subgingival debridement. Methods: A metal sonic scaler tip with a paddle-like working end covered with spheroid convexities of 0.8 mm diameter and 0.3 mm height was designed from the aspect of optimized adaptation to the root anatomy (tip-end dimension: 3.0 x 1.5 x 0.6 mm). Using a customary sonic scaler tip as control, instrument efficiency was quantified by measuring the time needed to completely remove calculus on extracted teeth (n = 52) under standardized conditions. To quantify the amount of calculus removed, the mean calculus area per tooth was measured on photographs taken before instrumentation. The tips safety was evaluated instrumenting calculus-free root surfaces in vitro (n = 18, lateral forces 0.5, 1, 2N, 20 s instrumentation time, tip angulation 0°) with subsequent laser-optical determination of resulting root substance loss. Results: Debridement efficiency was significantly higher for the novel tip (0. 78 ± 0.81 mm2/s completely debrided) than for the conventional tip (0.42 ± 0.33 mm2) (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.05). Concerning instrument safety, the novel tip caused significantly less root substance loss than the conventional tip. Conclusion: The novel scaler tip appears to be significantly more efficient in calculus removal and less damaging to the root surface than the assessed conventional tip.