ABSTRACT:
Aim: To analyze the morphological characteristics of the root surfaces with scanning electron microscope after scaling and root planing with curettes under microscope, dental loupes, and naked eye. Material and Methods: Extracted teeth were randomly allocated to Group 1: SRP under Naked eye, Group 2: SRP with dental loupes (x3.5), Group 3: SRP under microscope (x12) where N=18 (6 in each group). Presence or absence of smear layer was compared with chi square test and to compare Remaining calculus index (RCI) and Roughness and loss of tooth substance index (RLTSI) between the groups, One way ANOVA was used. Results: The one-way ANOVA test showed statistically significant differences favoring group 3, as to RCI on root surfaces (p = 0.007) and RLTSI (p=0.00). The Chi-square test also showed statistically significant difference favoring group 3 (p=0.05) as to the presence or absence of smear layer. Conclusion: Considering the obtained results and the methodology used in this study, it may be concluded that scaling and root planing with curettes under microscope of x12 magnification provided smoother root surface with nearly no smear layer remaining calculus when compared with SRP done under naked eye and dental loupes of x3.5 magnification.