# Profilometric evaluation of root surface roughness using pumice and zirconium silicate polishing agents

## TL;DR

This study compares two polishing agents for their effect on root surface roughness after periodontal cleaning.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the direct comparison of zirconium silicate and pumice polishing agents using profilometric analysis on extracted teeth.

## Key findings

- Zirconium silicate paste produced smoother root surfaces than pumice powder.
- Pumice powder resulted in a rougher texture on root surfaces.

## Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to tooth loss with dental plaque and calculus as key risk factors.
Periodontal prophylaxis including polishing plays a crucial role in reducing plaque deposition and maintaining periodontal health.
Therefore, it is of interest to compare the root surface roughness produced by pumice polishing powder and zirconium silicate
prophylaxis paste using a profilometric analysis on the extracted teeth. The results show that zirconium silicate paste produced a
smooth root surface compared to pumice powder which exhibited a rough texture. Thus, zirconium silicate paste is preferable for
preserving root surface integrity during periodontal prophylaxis.