Evaluation of Di
Evaluation of Different Resharpening Techniques on the Working Edges of Periodontal Scalers: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study
Hani EL Nahass and Gihane Gharib Madkour
Department of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Periodontology, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt. [email protected]; [email protected]
Abstract: Scaling and root planning contribute to the recovery of periodontal health. All periodontal instruments lose their fine cutting angle after use. To maintain this angle, correct sharpening is required using specifically designed stones. The characteristics of sharpening stones and the sharpening technique will be reflected upon the blade of the instruments. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate three different sharpening stones and two different sharpening techniques by scanning electron microscope (SEM).Material and Methods: Twenty hygienist scaler (Healthco ®) H6/7 were randomly selected and divided into five groups. Each group consisted of four double-ended scalers with eight working edges. Scalers were examined as received from the factory (group Ι), after dulling (group ΙΙ) and then after resharpening with either one of three sharpening stones; Arkansas (Hu Friedy®) (group ΙΙΙ), India (Hu Friedy®) (group ΙV) and ceramic stone on power driven sharpener (Hu Friedy Side Kicks®) (group V). The scalers were separated from their stems and photomicrographs of experimental areas were obtained with a SEM (Jeol JXA- 840A, JEOL, Ltd®, Tokyo, Japan). The photomicrographs were then evaluated to obtain the data. Results and Conclusions: The instruments sharpened by the manufacturer showed bevels and wire edges indicating the need for every new instrument to be sharpened. Moreover, hand sharpening performed using Arkansas stone (fine grit) produced the best cutting edge followed by India stone (medium grit). Furthermore, power driven device showed the worst results with irregular cutting edges and bevels. We concluded that Arkansas and India stones may be indicated for the routine sharpening of the instruments that are partly dull.
[Hani EL Nahass and Gihane Gharib Madkour. Evaluation of Different Resharpening Techniques on the Working Edges of Periodontal Scalers: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study. Life Sci J 2013;10(1):989-993] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 3
Key Words: Scanning electron microscopy, scaling, dental instruments, power driven sharpening device, sharpening stones.
