THE DIAMOND-COATED SONIC SCALER TIP .1. OSCILLATION PATTERN OF DIFFERENT SONIC SCALER INSERTS

The authors have developed a set of four modified sonic scaler inserts with variously shaped shafts and diamond-coated budded inserts. The i nserts are specially designed for the furcation area since instruments used hither-to have not been successful in completely preventing slow continuous periodontal breakdown in multirooted teeth. To test their clinical effectiveness, the displacement amplitude of the different so nic scalers was measured under varying load applications. Each scaler insert generated different and characteristic displacement amplitudes from rest position. The conventional insert was continuously dampened under increasing load application, whereas the diamond-coated inserts showed only minor variations of oscillation pattern. In a clinical sit uation, both insert types should be used, with the least possible appl ication load to maintain effectiveness and minimize removal of hard ti ssue.