EFFECTS OF ULTRASONIC SCALING AND PERIODONTAL CURETTAGE ON SURFACE-ROUGHNESS OF PORCELAIN

Changes in the surfaces of glazed porcelain were evaluated with the us e of a profilometer and a scanning electron microscope after ultrasoni c scaling and periodontal curettage. Thirty samples of glazed porcelai n-fused-to-metal were divided into two experimental zones, and the two sealing treatments were performed on each sample. Measurements of sur face roughness of porcelain were made before and after instrumentation for both periodontal prophylaxis procedures. The statistical analysis of the differences in surface changes as evaluated on the profilomete r indicated that the roughness alterations from both procedures were n ot statistically significant; however, the qualitative or subjective e valuation of scanning electron micrographs and profile tracings reveal ed differences between glazed and instrumented porcelain surfaces.