Ultra-morphology of root surface subsequent to periodontal instrumentation: A scanning electron microscope study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare root surface characteristic following root planing with various hand and power driven instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 single rooted teeth were used in this study, of which two specimens were used as control (no instrumentation done) and remaining 18 specimens were equally divided into three groups. Specimens from each group were then subjected to root planing by one of the following instruments: (1) a Gracey curette (2) Ultrasonic tip and (3) a Rotary bur. In each case, the time required for scaling and root planing was measured. After treatment, the specimens were observed under scanning electron microscope and surface roughness was measured by using Roughness and loss of tooth substance index (RLTSI). RESULTS: The mean RLTSI scores for Gracey curette, ultrasonic and rotary instrument group were 2.5, 2.0 and 0.667 respectively. The mean scores of time spent for scaling and root planing by Gracey curette, ultrasonic and rotary instrument group in seconds were 42.50, 35.83 and 54.50. CONCLUSION: All the three instruments namely Gracey curette, Ultrasonic tip and Rotary bur were effective in mechanical debridement of root surface. The results favoured the use of rotary instruments for root planing to achieve smooth clean root surface; however, the use of rotary instrument was more time consuming which might limit its use in clinical practice.