A Study of Scaling with an Ultrasonic Scaler without Water Irrigation Using an Oral Care Gel

Abstract

　Objectives：Conventional scaling with an ultrasonic scaler is associated with a risk of aspiration of contaminated water because of water irrigation；therefore, it is difficult to perform the procedure in bedridden old patients. Sumi et al. developed an oral care system without using water. We consider that scaling with an ultrasonic scaler can be safely performed without water irrigation by applying the system and using an oral care gel developed by Sumi et al. In this study, we performed scaling with an ultrasonic scaler using the oral care gel without water irrigation, with the aim of evaluating the amount of water running down the throat and its harmful effect on the periodontal tissues.

　Methods：Scaling with an ultrasonic scaler was performed without water irrigation using the oral care gel. Patient satisfaction and discomfort were compared between the procedures with and without water irrigation. In addition, the procedure was performed in bedridden patients, and pharynx invasion, its harmful effect on the periodontal tissues, and presence or absence of fever were evaluated.

　Results：Pharynx invasion during scaling with the ultrasonic scaler using the oral care gel was very small, and there was no evidence of fever suggestive of aspiration after the procedure in any of the patients. Patient satisfaction or the procedure-associated pain or discomfort did not differ between the groups with and without water irrigation. Additionally, there were no harmful pulp responses or abnormal findings of the gingiva.

　Conclusions：Scaling using the oral care gel was hardly associated with a risk of aspiration of contaminated water, etc. even in bedridden patients, or with its harmful effects on the pulp and gingiva. These results suggest that scaling with an ultrasonic scaler can be safely performed using the oral care gel even in bedridden old patients.