Root planing strategies: a comparative ex-vivo study.

Background: As oral health has gained a crucial role in low grade inflammation control, new techniques were tested to achieve a better control of periodontal homeostasis. Ultrasound scaling and root planing by means of Gracey curettes were the established techniques, while air-polishing was mostly used on prosthetic surfaces.
Methods: In the present study, an in-vitro comparison between roughness of enamel and root surfaces after air polishing and curettes was performed. Six extracted teeth were examined for air polishing effects and curettes effects at Scanning Electron Microscope to evaluate the superficial roughness. This aspect was assessed by a dedicated software analyzing roughness indexes such as Ra, Rq, Sa and fractal dimension.
Results: According to our results, air polishing produced a smoother root surface in comparison with the curette's root planing. Although Gracey curette scaling represent the gold-standard so far. Moreover, air polishing did not produce root cementum damage or scratches, as with curette's scaling, and this aspect seems to be related to particles diameter and nature.
Conclusions: Further studies, both in vitro and in vivo, are needed to better evaluate the real outcome of this kind of management.