[Scanning electromicroscopic studies of the surface of teeth. I. After manual treatment with tooth cleansers. II. Tooth cleaning with power-driven instruments].

Scanning electron microscopic examination of tooth surfaces after using manually operated instruments to remove calculus showed distinct lesions on the hard substances of the tooth. The extent of damage depends considerably on the area of the tooth treated (the border between the enamel and the cementum is particularly endangered), the amount of force used, and the length of time required for treatment. Examination of tooth surfaces following application of various types of power-driven scaling instruments revealed that lesions of the hard substances on the tooth are possible. The extent of the damage depends on several different factors, particularly the pressure applied and the area of the tooth treated. The border between the enamel and the cementum is particulary endangered.