Observations on the effects of scaling and polishing methods on enamel.

Abstract

This study compared several techniques of manual and power instrument supragingival scaling and subsequent polishing with different methods. Observations were made to determine if there was an optimal method of enamel surface treatment based on the efficacy of the polishing and damage to the enamel. The maxillary fourth premolar and canine teeth were used as experimental teeth. These teeth were extracted after treatment and immersed in 10% buffered formalin solution for further processing and evaluation using electron microscopy. Our observations indicated that the most effective method for scaling and enamel protection during periodontal treatment was provided by power instrumentation followed by polishing using a soft polishing wheel with pumice paste.