Oral Biol Res.  2024 Jun;48(2):52-57. 10.21851/obr.48.02.202406.52.

Effect of a metallic ultrasonic scaler tip on titanium surfaces: a preliminary study

• Yang MC
• Jeong SH
• Lee HM
• Seol SH
• Lee SK
• Yu SJ
• Kim BO

• KMID: 2557491
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21851/obr.48.02.202406.52

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the effect of a metallic magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler tip on titanium surfaces. Eighteen identical disks were investigated, 12 (1-untreated and 3-treated group) for surface roughness and 6 for weight change. The power settings of the conventional insert were fixed as high, medium, and low in the blue zone. Surface topography analysis was conducted via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, surface roughness measurements of treated and untreated surfaces were compared using a profilometer. The profilometer showed different roughness findings depending on the applied power. SEM results showed that the damaged height was more pronounced from low to high power. Additionally, the weight change of the titanium was affected by the power setting. Therefore, the power setting must be carefully selected when using this scaler in clinical practice. Moreover, an in vitro study must be conducted under various clinical conditions in the future.

Keyword

Dental scaling; Titanium alloy; Ultrasonic therapy