Root treatment in vivo with a new rotary periodontal instrument: a profilometer study.

The purpose of this study was to compare, in vivo, in 30 teeth destined for extraction, the abilities of the Scalex rotary bur system and Gracey curettes to obtain a smooth root surface. The time taken for each treatment was also evaluated. The profilometry results showed no significant differences between instruments with regard to roughness or working time, in single-rooted teeth, multirooted teeth, or in pockets of 5 mm or more. Only for distal longitudinal roughness and in pockets less than 5 mm did the Scalex system perform slightly better. There was some improvement in working time when the distal surfaces were instrumented with Scalex. Both systems demonstrated a similar capacity to render smooth surfaces.