The effect of a 3% hydroxyapatite paste prophylaxis after different root-scaling procedures in periodontics

Abstract Introduction Root-scaling procedures on the root surface show to increase root surface roughness during instrumentation. The use of a prophylactic paste reduces the roughness. Objetive This study evaluated the influence of prophylaxis paste on the surface roughness of root dentin after hand instruments (HI), ultrasonic scalers (US) and rotational instruments (RI) were applied to root surfaces. Material and method Fifty bovine roots were prepared and randomly divided into 10 groups (n=5) in which instrumentation with HI, US, or RI was carried out with or without prophylaxis using either conventional or 3% hydroxyapatite paste; additionally, a control group without treatment was included. The Ra and Rz roughness values were measured using a perfilometer. The morphological aspects of the root surfaces were analysed qualitatively by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Result The scaling method and the prophylaxis procedure significantly influenced (p < 0.05) root surface roughness. Treatment with US and prophylaxis with 3% hydroxyapatite paste resulted in lower values of Ra (0.14 μm ± 0.02 μm) and Rz (0.89 μm ± 0.18 μm) compared to the other groups. SEM analysis showed smoother and more homogeneous surfaces in the groups with prophylaxis compared to the groups without prophylaxis. There were no substantial differences between the results of applying different pastes. Conclusion The prophylaxis procedure performed with the experimental paste containing 3% hydroxyapatite reduced the roughness of root surfaces treated with HI, US and RI at the same level as the conventional prophylactic paste.