Micro‐CT evaluation of the effect of various ScRp instrumentation methods on cement loss, porosity and micro‐crack formation

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three different instruments on cement loss, porosity and micro‐crack formation, which was not evaluated before, following scaling and root planning (SRP) using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). Methods In this experimental study, 30 single‐rooted extracted human teeth were used and divided into three groups. All the teeth were scanned with micro‐CT before and after SRP. Group 1: SRP was performed with Gracey curettes, Group 2: SRP was performed by using an ultrasonic device, and Group 3: SRP was performed by using diamond burs. Cement loss from the root surface, porosity, and micro‐crack formation in the root dentine were analysed. Micro‐CT is used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples. The obtained data were analysed statistically ( p < 0.05). Results Minimum cement loss following SRP was detected with ultrasonic scaler (26.98 mm 3 ), whereas the highest was created by diamond burs (96.20 mm 3 ) ( p < 0.05). The total porosity values after SRP were 0.278%, 0.334% and 0.252% for Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Although Group 3 had the least porosity values, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The highest micro‐crack formation was seen in Group 2 and the lowest was in Group 1 with a significant difference ( p < 0.05). Conclusions More cement loss was observed with diamond burs. Ultrasonic devices appear to be a viable alternative to instrumentation with curettes. However, ultrasonic devices should be used carefully because of micro‐crack formation since the micro‐crack resulting from instrumentation with hand instruments is the least of all.