Influence of different periodontal curette grips on the outcome of mechanical non-surgical therapy

Aim: To determine to whether successful scaling and root planing (SRP) depends upon the grip used on the periodontal curette. Methods: The hand grips used by dentists for holding periodontal curettes were examined and the dentists were allocated to one of two matched groups, one in which they used a modified pen grip, the other in which they did not. Using a split-mouth technique, patients scheduled for SRP had one quadrant treated by a dentist from each group. Instrument application force was recorded as were periodontal measures at operation and 3-months later. Results: During scaling, forces reached a mean of 0.77N in dentists using a curette with a non-pen grip and 0.54N in those using a pen grip and during root planing, 0.93N and 0.64N respectively. These forces were statistically significantly different between the two groups. Pocket depth reduction in teeth treated by the two groups was similar but attachment levels were statistically significantly different. Conclusions: Instrument grip had a significant effect on response to SRP, suggesting that dentists using a modified pen grip achieved better clinical results.