One of the most difficult surfaces for plaque removal is the furcation area. Previous studies have indicated, that ultrasonic scalers may be very effective in the furcation area. The objectives of the study were to compare the effectiveness of a magnetostrictive (MS) ultra sonic scaler (Cavitron-SPS®, FSI-slimline insert left/right, Dentsply, Konstanz, Germany) and a piezoelectric (PE) ultra sonic scaler (Suprasson®, Periosoft-carbon insert PB2L/PB2R, Satelec-Pierre Rolland, Mettmann, Germany). Methods: With each instrument 50 plastic lower first molars (Frasaco, Tettnang Germany) were treated in the model of a manikin. For the simulation of plaque the furcation of the teeth was coated with black acrylic lacquer onto which green indicator spray was applied. The lingual and buccal part of the furcation were treated for 1.5 minutes each. After separation of the furcation in three parts, digital pictures were taken and analyzed with an image software. Results: The percentage of remaining plaque for mesial, roof and distal surfaces was in the MA-group: 3.2, 2.5, 1.7 and in the PE-group: 1.3, 1.7, 1.1 respectively. For mesial surfaces the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The percentage of intact black lacquer layer was an indicator of the aggressiveness of the treatment. The mesial, roof and distal values (%) were for MS: 88.9, 94.7, 76.3 and for PE: 90.6, 93.9, 93.2. For distal furcation surfaces the aggressiveness of treatment with MS was statistically significant higher, than with PE. Conclusions: It could be concluded, that under clinically comparable conditions the plaque removal in the furcation area is equally effective with both type of inserts, but carbon-inserts are less aggressive, than metal inserts.

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