The diamond-coated sonic scaler tip. Part I: Oscillation pattern of different sonic scaler inserts.

The authors have developed a set of four modified sonic scaler inserts with variously shaped shafts and diamond-coated budded inserts. The inserts are specially designed for the furcation area since instruments used hitherto have not been successful in completely preventing slow continuous periodontal breakdown in multirooted teeth. To test their clinical effectiveness, the displacement amplitude of the different sonic scalers was measured under varying load applications. Each scaler insert generated different and characteristic displacement amplitudes from rest position. The conventional insert was continuously dampened under increasing load application, whereas the diamond-coated inserts showed only minor variations of oscillation pattern. In a clinical situation, both insert types should be used, with the least possible application load to maintain effectiveness and minimize removal of hard tissue.