Evaluation of the effect on root surfaces of air turbine scalers and ultrasonic instrumentation.

Three air turbine scalers were compared to each other and to an ultrasonic instrument (CAVITRON) on medium and maximum power setting. The amount of remaining calculus, roughness and loss of tooth substance were estimated by means of well-defined index systems (RCI and RLTSI). The time required to clean the test surfaces--marked on proximal root surfaces of mandibular incisors--was also noted. Standardized scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs were independently "blind-scored" by three examiners, and total mean scores were calculated. The results revealed significant differences (P less than 0.001) between the instruments with respect to the amount of remaining calculus. There were also significant differences (P less than 0.05) between roughness and loss of tooth substance produced by CAVITRON at maximum power setting and that produced by the other instruments. No differences were found with regard to the time required to clean the test surface (until visually clean).