COMPARISON OF MANUAL AND ULTRASONIC SCALING IN IMPROVEMENT OF GINGIVAL HEALTH IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC GINGIVITIS
Keywords:
Manual scaling, ultrasonic scaling, chronic gingivitis, plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, randomized clinical study, Lahore Pakistan.Abstract
Objective:
To compare the effectiveness of manual scaling and ultrasonic scaling in improving gingival health. The study will assess plaque index, gingival index, and bleeding on probing before and after treatment. It aims to determine whether one scaling method offers better periodontal outcomes in gingivitis management.
Methods:
This randomized clinical study was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with plaque-induced chronic gingivitis. Participants were divided equally into two groups. Group A received manual scaling, while Group B received ultrasonic scaling. Baseline clinical assessment was done before treatment, and follow-up assessment was performed after four weeks. The main clinical parameters were Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and Bleeding on Probing. Treatment time was also recorded for both groups. Data were analyzed by comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment scores within each group and by comparing post-treatment outcomes between the two groups. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Study type: Randomized clinical study
Results:
Both groups showed clear improvement in gingival health after treatment. Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and Bleeding on Probing decreased significantly from baseline to four weeks in both manual and ultrasonic scaling groups. Ultrasonic scaling showed slightly greater reduction in plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and bleeding scores compared with manual scaling, but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. However, ultrasonic scaling required less chairside time than manual scaling, showing a practical advantage in routine clinical practice.
Conclusion:
Manual scaling and ultrasonic scaling were both effective in improving gingival health in patients with chronic gingivitis. Ultrasonic scaling showed a small clinical advantage and required less treatment time, but both methods produced comparable periodontal outcomes. The findings suggest that either technique can be used successfully for gingivitis management when performed properly with oral hygiene instructions.
