2006 Volume 48 Issue 4 Pages 267-275
As part of our investigations into the basic usage of hand scalers, we removed dental calculus using sickle-type and curette-type scalers, and measured the amount of force applied to teeth for removal of dental calculus in three planes (horizontal, lateral and vertical forces). Based on the results, the differences between experienced and novice groups were determined. Subjects were six individuals with at least four years of clinical experience and six individuals with no experience in periodontal care. In the present study, standardized models with artificial calculus were used. The horizontal force and total force (sum of horizontal, lateral and vertical forces) in the novice groups was significantly greater than in the experienced groups with both sickle-type and curette-type scalers. In addition, with both sickle-type and curette-type scalers, there were no significant differences in lateral force, vertical force or tooth surface force (sum of lateral and vertical forces) between the experienced and novice groups.Furthermore, with the curette-type scaler, for both the experienced and novice groups, a significant correlation was seen between the horizontal and vertical forces, and between the horizontal and tooth surface forces: the greater the horizontal force, the greater the vertical force or parallel force. The above findings suggest that, for both sickle-type and curette-type scalers, horizontal force affects the removal of dental calculus more than the other two forces, and that for efficient removal of dental calculus, it is necessary to develop removal techniques and instruments that minimize horizontal force. Nihon Shishubyo Gakkai Kaishi (J Jpn Soc Periodontol) 48 : 267-275, 2006.
