[Changes in the enamel surface after calculus removal].

A clinical trial examined the effect of calculus removal on the enamel surface using a Gracey curette 5/6, an ultrasound unit, and three air scalers with five different tips, in terms of the rate of surface lesions and the extent and depth of the defects. A total of 140 teeth were copied to assess and measure the surface lesions. The hand-held instrument did not damage the tooth surface. For calculus removal with automatic instruments surface lesions were observed to be a function of the type of equipment and the tip configuration used, with sharp-edged instruments causing the more severe destruction. Therefore automatic calculus removal instruments should not be used for routine tooth cleaning. They should be reserved for first-time removal of old, hard, and very tough calculus.