An in vitro study of oscillating instruments for root planing.

The objective of this in vitro study was to test PER-IO-TOR instruments on the Profin Directional System angle piece (Dentatus-Sweden), using extracted human teeth. In the 1st part of the study, 6 root surfaces were treated with the instruments TOR 1, TOR 2, TOR 3 and TOR 4. For comparison purposes, half the samples treated with each instrument were then subjected to further treatment with a Gracey curette. All samples were then examined by SEM. In the 2nd part of the study, 4 root surfaces were given standardized treatment with each PER-IO-TOR instrument and the amount of substance removed was determined with a mechanical profilometer. For this purpose, the treated root surface was scanned with a microneedle and the profile depth recorded. The study showed that the PER-IO-TOR instruments were efficient with respect to surface planning and protective abrasion. Instrument TOR 3 (spatula with eyelet) in particular yielded similar results to those obtained with a curette. The overall results confirm that the PER-IO-TOR instruments have similar planing properties to manual instruments, causing minimum abrasion from the root surface. They thus represent an alternative to manual instruments, not only in inaccessible areas but also on smooth tooth surfaces.