TREATMENT OF SUBGINGIVAL IMPLANT SURFACES WITH TEFLON(R)-COATED SONICAND ULTRASONIC SCALER TIPS AND VARIOUS IMPLANT CURETTES

Removal of plaque and calculus by means of sonic and ultrasonic scaler s causes considerable damage to implants. With a view to avoiding the aggressive effects of these instruments, an experimental study was car ried out for which conventional sonic and ultrasonic scalers were coat ed with Teflon(R). The effects of these instruments on implant surface s was then compared with that of plastic and metal implant curettes. S tereo-microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and surface profilometr y were used to detect and record damage to implant surfaces and change s in surface roughness. Generation and propagation of heat in subgingi val simulation of use of sonic and ultrasonic scalers were also record ed by means of temperature measurements at the implant surface. The re sults revealed that no discernible damage was caused by Teflon-coated sonic and ultrasonic scalers or implant curettes made of plastic on sm ooth titanium surfaces. Instrument material residues were found on rou gh implant surfaces. It was not the intention of this study to provide an analysis of the prerequisites for the cleaning of rough implant su rfaces, but rather to determine what type of damage is to be expected when contact is made with smooth and rough surfaces unintentionally. T emperature measurements during the subgingival use of sonic and ultras onic scalers indicated satisfactory functioning of the cooling system. Coating of sonic and ultrasonic scaler tips with Teflon thus facilita tes the use of high-frequency instruments to achieve professional clea ning of implants.