The effect of working parameters on removal of casting gold alloy using a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with scaler tip in vitro

Purpose: Ultrasonic scalers have been widely used for removing biofilm which is considered as major etiologic factor of periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of working parameters of piezoeletric ultrasonic scaler with scaler tip (No. 1 tip) on casting gold alloy removal. Methods: Type III dental casting gold alloy (Firmilay ® , Jelenko Inc, CA, USA) was used as substitute for tooth substance. Piezoeletric ultrasonic scaler and No.1 scaler tip (P-Max ® , Satelec, France) were selected. The selected working parameters were mode (P mode, S mode), power setting (2, 4, 8) and lateral force (0.5 N, 1.0 N, 2.0 N). The effect of working parameters was evaluated in terms of ablation depth, ablation width and ablation area. Results: Mode influenced ablation depth and ablation area. Power also influenced ablation depth and ablation area. Especially, Power 2 and power 8 showed statistically significant difference. Lateral force had influence on ablation width, and 0.5 N resulted significant increase compared with 1.0 N and 2.0 N. Ablation depth was influenced by mode, power and lateral force and defect width was influenced by lateral force. Ablation area was influenced by mode and power. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the use of piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with No. 1 scaler tip in S mode and high power may result in significant loss of tooth substance. (J Korean Acad Periodontol 2009;39:139-148)