Ultrasonic subgingival root planing and EDTA etching in a one-step procedure.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate if ultrasonic debridement and EDTA etching could be combined in a ore-step procedure. Tap water was exchanged for a 24% EDTA solution as irrigation agent during root planing with a piezo scaler. 24 human teeth extracted due to severe periodontal disease were used and the results were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. Results indicate that synergistic effects (smear removal and exposure of collagen fibers) were negligible with conventional application of the irrigation fluid to the working area of the scaling tip while a marked effect was evident when the EDTA solution was applied directly to the working area of the piezoelectric scaler through a customized tip.