Comparative study of manual and ultrasonic instrumentation of cementum surfaces: influence of lateral pressure.

The goal of periodontal treatments is to eliminate bacteria and their products without damaging cementum surfaces. Nonsurgical treatments are often limited by the inability of curettes to access the most apical zone of the pocket. While ultrasonic mini-inserts have been used for nearly 10 years now, their effect on dental tissues has not been tested.