Journal of Dental Research, Vol 63, 1376-1382, Copyright © 1984 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Determination of rpm, time, and load used in oral prophylaxis polishing in vivo
R. P. Christensen and V. W. Bangerter
Clinically relevant values for revolutions per minute (rpm), time, and load
should be used when one evaluates effects of abrasive slurries on teeth.
However, in the past, these variables have not been measured in vivo to
determine clinical means. This study describes an instrument and computer
software which monitored rpm, time, and load used by 29 clinicians during
routine oral prophylaxes performed on 76 patients. Grand means and standard
deviations determined for the three variables were: rpm, mean = 2571 (s =
739): time per tooth surface, mean = 4.5 sec (s = 2.9); and load, mean =
145 g (s = 66). Mean rpm, time, and load used on facial and lingual
surfaces of the 32 teeth were also determined. Statistical tests showed
that rpm was not altered significantly by tooth location, surface, or type
and amount of deposit, but time was affected significantly by tooth
location, surface, and amount of calculus; load was affected by tooth
location, surface, and amount and intensity of stain.
