A scanning electron microscope observation of gingival microvasculature after ultrasonic tooth preparation

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to observe morphological changes in the gingival microvasculature after tooth preparation. The conventional dental air turbine and ultrasonic methods were examined as a way of tooth preparation. To visualize the changes in the gingival vasculature, a corrosion resin cast was used and visualization performed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Materials and Methods: The preparations were performed on the premolars in Beagle dogs. A chamfered finishing line was created by a diamond instrument along the gingival margin with either a dental air turbine or an ultrasonic wave.
Results: Immediately after preparation using the dental air turbine, teardrop-shaped resin leakage was seen, indicating that bleeding had occurred in the gingiva. Fourteen days after the preparation, resin leakage was seen on the vascular resincast indicating an acceleration of vascular permeability. After 30 days, the blood vessels constructed glomerulus loops. Immediately after the preparation using ultrasonic waves, the vasculature appeared normal. Fourteen days after the preparation, new vasculature appeared along the finishing line. After 30 days, vascular regeneration was nearly complete.
Conclusions: Our observations suggest that the use of the ultrasonic wave instrument caused minimum damage compared to the use of the dental air turbine. Therefore, in terms of protecting the microcirculatory system in the gingival tissue during tooth preparation, the ultrasonic wave instrument is useful. [MVRC 3(1): 25-31, 2009]