SENA, Israel Alexandre de Araujo et al. IN VITRO CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROHARDNESS OF PERIODONTAL CURETTES. Odontol. Clín.-Cient. (Online) []. 2016, 15, 2, pp. 123-126. ISSN 1677-3888.

Aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro, through the superficial hardness test, periodontal curettes in three different brands available in Brazil (Golgran®, Quinelato® and Trinity®). Were used for this study 72 Periodontal curettes, 24 of each brand. Of these, 04 Gracey curettes 5-6, 04 Gracey curettes 7-8, 04 Gracey curettes 11-12, 04 Gracey curettes 13-14, 04 McCall curettes 13-14 and 04 McCall curettes 17-18 of each cited industry. Each curette was subjected to microhardness testing with the aid of a microhardness tester, being applied to the Knoop elongated pyramid test. All samples were analyzed in optical microscope (OM) after the test. For statistical analysis of data was used the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare means and Mann-Whitney tests with Bonferroni post-penalties, to know difference of each mean. From the results it was observed that there were statistically significant differences between the three analyzed trademarks, except for the Gracey curettes 11-12, which showed equivalence between them. In general, Quinelato® brand showed the best mechanical properties in microhardness tests.

: periodontal debridement; dentistry; periodontics; hardness testing; surface properties..