Profilometric analysis of root surfaces after using various polishing agents

Abstract

Background:Polishing is an important step in oral prophylaxis procedure which retards further accumulation of plaque on the root surfaces. Though polishing was done with various abrasive particles with different sizes over a long period of time, it was never been highlighted to evaluate the ideal polishing material and the particle size that would produce the ideal surface smoothness (Ra <0.2 μm).Materials and Methods:The present study was carried out on 70 periodontally involved, caries-free extracted human teeth from 42 patients. All the teeth were collected from the region of incisors, canines, and premolars. In vitro scaling and root planing were performed by piezoelectric scaler and Gracey's area specific curettes, respectively. All the teeth were grouped at random into control and experimental. The collections of abrasive materials were done directly from the market, and the different particle sizes were prepared in the laboratory.Experimentation:The polishing was done at a constant speed of 200 rpm with cylindrical nylon bristle brush followed by rubber prophy cup. Each group belonging to control and experimental was subjected to profilometric study for evaluation of surface roughness.Results:Regular polishing abrasives are not able to produce the surface smoothness of our desire level (i.e., Ra <0.2 μm), which can be achieved only by submicron-sized particles.Conclusion:Regular size polishing particles available in the market (>5 μm) are not able to produce the surface smoothness <0.2 μm. Only, submicron sized particles are able to produce the desired smoothness.

Comparison of Root Surface Wear and Roughness Resulted from Different Ultrasonic Scalers and Polishing Devices Applied on Human Teeth: An In-Vitro Study

“…Application of a prophy paste onto the tooth surface using a nylon bristle brush or rubber prophy cup as part of the mechanical periodontal treatment is the most widely used among the various polishing procedures. Polishing as the final step is believed to reduce surface roughness and remove stains and biofilm [17][18][19]. Some information is available regarding surface shifts of restorative materials after polishing procedures [20,21] and the effects of air polishers on tooth surfaces [22,23], but little attention has been paid to the comparison of rubber prophy cups and nylon bristle brushes.…”

Comparative study on the effects of different polishing methods on tooth surface microstructure and roughness following initial periodontal treatment

“…These factors all exacerbate the wear of cementum. Jana et al ( 2016 ) used sandblasted particles of different sizes and compositions to polish teeth in vitro after scaling and finally found that only 3–5 μm hydroxyapatite crystals could decrease the surface roughness of sandblasted teeth reach Ra = 0.2 μm. For other particles, the size needed to be less than 1 µm to achieve the desired postblast roughness (Jana et al, 2016 ).…”

Which Polishing Method Is Effective for Coffee Stains? – An In-Vitro Study of Surface Roughness and Color Change

“…Moreover, there is a widespread debate about whether the tooth surface should be polished or not. Some studies suggested that polishing removes plaque and reduces bacterial colonization, resulting in a smooth tooth surface (17,18). The results of the present study revealed alteration of the enamel surface with all the prophylactic methods applied.…”