An evaluation of a pre-scaling gel (SofScaleTM) on the ease of supragingival calculus removal
The authors have questioned the efficacy of SofScale and set up an experiment to diagnose its use as an adjunct in scaling and root planing of the anterior mandible teeth. In the study, 31 subjects had SofScale applied to one-half of the lower anterior dentition, waited four minutes, then scaled and root planed these teeth. Time expended and patient comfort were considered, and no differences were discovered between the side with SofScale and the side without. On a positive note for the SofScale company, however, it was noted that no increase in tooth sensitivity was observed with the use of this product. The authors concluded that the study does not support the use of SofScale as an adjunct to scaling.
Smith, S.R., D. Foyle, and J. Daniels, J Clin Periodont, 21:562, 1994