Ultrasonics in periodontics

Abstract The vibrating tips of ultrasonic instruments have been shown to remove deposits mechanically. Calculus removal is equally effective with ultrasonic or hand instruments, whereas stain removal has been shown to be better with the former. It has been observed that ultrasonic instruments remove heavy supragingival calculus faster than hand instruments. According to the evidence available most patients and operators prefer ultrasonic scaling to hand scaling. The effect of in vivo ultrasonic scaling on root surface has not been established. Various factors possibly influencing the occurrence of tooth surface roughness subsequent to ultrasonic scaling have been pointed out. No harmful effects have been found in the adjacent periodontal structures following ultrasonic instrumentation. However, it has been suggested that the cavitation spray accompanying ultrasonic instrumentation may carry pathogenic organisms. The advantages and the disadvantages of ultrasonic instruments have been evaluated.     

Lasers in periodontics

Publicity about the use of lasers in dentistry has generated considerable interest in both professional and lay audiences. The purpose of this report is to provide information for members of the dental profession about the current and potential application of laser technology to periodontal practice. This report was prepared by the Research, Science and Therapy Committee of the American Academy of Periodontology.     

Treatment trends in periodontics

This volume of Periodontology 2000, entitled “Treatment Trends in Periodontics”, evaluates the importance of nonsurgical periodontal therapy and defines its role as the key etiologic treatment of the disease. The need for scaling and root planing is mandatory step during the initial phase of therapy, as is self‐care by the patient. Only after reevaluation of the outcome achieved by nonsurgical procedures should surgery be considered, and the concept of “critical probing depth” is emphasized. The chapters in this volume discuss different aspects of periodontal surgery, including regeneration and plastic periodontal procedures, and, looking toward the future, cell therapy in periodontics is explored. The impact of periodontal therapy on systemic diseases is reviewed, and the role of occlusion in periodontal disease is revisited and discussed. Topics on implants include their placement in fresh extraction sockets, socket healing with or without implant placement, and research on osseointegration. The important topic of maintenance care of teeth and implants for long‐term therapeutic success is thoroughly evaluated, as is the efficacy of dentifrices in oral hygiene. The editors convey a nutshell review of the concepts of what periodontal treatment should entail, based on scientific evidence generated during half‐a‐century of work in periodontics.     

Systemic antibiotics in periodontics

This position paper addresses the role of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease. Topical antibiotic therapy is not discussed here. The paper was prepared by the Research, Science and Therapy Committee of the American Academy of Periodontology. The document consists of three sections: 1) concept of antibiotic periodontal therapy; 2) efficacy of antibiotic periodontal therapy; and 3) practical aspects of antibiotic periodontal therapy. The conclusions drawn in this paper represent the position of the American Academy of Periodontology and are intended for the information of the dental profession.