Abstract

In the present study, the Cavitron 2002 ultrasonic scaler was compared with the Titan-S air scaler in 20 subjects with gingivitis or slight periodontitis, whereby the majority of the patients suffered from gingivitis. A split mouth experimental design was used. However, patients did not receive any oral hygiene instructions during the study in order to allow the observation of the true effect of instrumentation. The outcome of a one-time treatment was assessed after 4, 14, 28, and 56 days. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), papilla bleeding index (PBI), plaque index (Pl-I), probing depth (PD), and relative attachment level (AL) were measured. Both treatments resulted in a statistically significant decrease of clinical signs of inflammation (PBI: p < 0.001). Probing depths decreased (p < 0.001) and a small gain of attachment of 0.11 mm +/- 0.05 mm (p < 0.001) was observed. Following treatment, a statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease in GCF and Pl-I was observed between baseline and day 4. No statistically significant difference between the instruments' influences on the evaluated clinical parameters could be found. Thus it can be concluded indirectly that the Cavitron 2002 and the Titan-S are both useful instruments for scaling of tooth and root surfaces.