Root-Planing Efficiency of Edge Retention Curettes After Extended Use on the Surface of the Tooth Root

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the root surface topography and cutting-edge retention after mechanical root planing using five different types of curettes. Sixty premolars were divided among stainless steel curette (SS), titanium-coated curette (SC), titanium curette (Ti), EverEdge curette (EE), and XP curette (XP) groups. Mean tooth surface roughness (Ra) and the mean roughness depth (Rz) values were determined. The SEM and EDX values were checked after 40, 500, 1,000, and 2500 strokes. At 40 strokes, the mean Ra value of 2.33 ± 0.88 and mean Rz value of 18.5 ± 5.70 was the lowest recorded for titanium coated instrument. After 500 strokes, XP curettes presented with the lowest Ra and Rz values of 1.39 ± 0.25 and 12.32 ± 1.76, respectively. After 1000 and 2500 strokes, the XP curettes had Ra (1.02 ± 0.07; 0.71 ± 0.12) and Rz (9.63 ± 0.50; 7.20 ± 0.96), respectively. The 2-way ANOVA of Ra and Rz values and the post hoc showed a statistically significant difference with p < 0.05. The SEM analysis showed the surface of the roots to be smoother in XP, and the cutting was retained in XP and the EE curettes. In the EDX analysis, there was corrosion on the lateral surface of the Ti and the SC. XP curettes showed to be better statistically than other curettes, and both XP and EE retained the cutting edges longer. Hence, curettes with edge retention technology are long-lasting and effective for root surface instrumentation in periodontal practice.