OHI: Scaling, Ultrasonic Scaler
An ultrasonic scaler is used to get rid of calculus faster away of a tooth surface. The tool has a tip which transmits the power used in scaling and it is then cooled using jet of water.
How Dental ultrasonic scaler system works?
A scaling tip works by vibrating and it follows the pattern set according to the type of the scaler and its power rating. It can make a pattern of figure 8, curved or elliptical line. Water gets energized when it passes over a tip of water and it offers cavitation which will result into the scouring action. Since there is heat which can be generated on the tip, it is important to ensure that the tip will be moving on the teeth.
It is recommended that each tooth should be treated at least in 10 seconds and the pressure to use should not go over one once. When the tip is pressed hard it will stop to vibrate and it will reduce effectiveness of cleaning. With high pressure, the tip may concentrate the heat in just one area which may damage the pulp. The right practice is choosing four or three teeth and to scale them at once in order to reduce the overheating of just one tooth.
The tip uses a lavage: a stream of water that contains antibacterial mouthwash comes from near the tip to reduce the heat of the scaler tip and flush away the debris at the area which had been treated. A vibrating tip will cause the water to break in small bubbles and this is what it is known as cavitation. It ruptures the wall of the bacteria and it helps to create an environment which is not that hospitable to the harmful bacteria.
The latest inserts are longer and thinner and they may be used to clean subgingival pockets by disrupting and removing of the subgingival plaque while irrigating this area. When the tip is thinner, it reads to finer action.
Why ultrasonic scaling is important?
After the tooth cleaning at the dentist’s office, a person will feel fresh and the teeth will look brighter. However, cleaning is not only about appearance. It is the way of preventing and treating gum disease and there are many studies that demonstrate that there is a certain link between overall systematic health and periodontal health. This means cleaning teeth regularly is beneficial to the entire body.
As time passes, dental plaques with stains build-up at the surface. Dental calculus also known as tartar can be found below and above gum line. Undergoing a thorough cleaning will help in cleaning such substance and it keeps the bacteria that cause decay to stay away.
Teeth cleaning is normally done using a non surgical method known as scaling and sometime it is called a root debridement. It is a painless procedure and only small instruments will be used in order to remove the deposit away of the surface of a tooth. Before, scaling was being done using manual tools, now it is possible to use ultrasonic scaler to achieve better results faster. Even if the ultrasonic scaler is found in many types, they all work in one fashion.
Ultrasonic scaling compared to hand scaling.
According to the studies, it has been found that ultrasonic cleaning takes at least one-third less time in comparison to hand scaling. This means that the person requires less time while in a chair. People choose to be treated with a dental ultrasonic scaler instead a manual scaler since the technicians will use less force. With ultrasonic scaling, only the tip can touch the tooth surface for a short period.
It is possible to get rid of tartar and plaque away from the gum line using the smallest tip found in the ultrasonic unit. This will cause no discomfort while it leading to better and deeper cleaning. In some instances, the dental ultrasonic scaler may be used at the beginning, and if there are still some stained areas, they will be cleaned by hand.
Why Modified Bass Technique brushing is important
Many people are suffering from plaque related diseases and gingivitis, even for the people who say that they clean their teeth regularly. It has been found out that the problem lies with the brushing technique used. Most of the time, dentist near me recommend the use of Modified Bass Technique to their patients but there are also other techniques that may be preferred depending on the situation of the patient. It has been found out that for the patients and other people to achieve highly recommended oral cleaning, they should learn highly recommended brushing skills. Dentists teach the Modified Bass Technique to their patients since it has been found out to remove plaque in high level especially on the gingival margin and this prevents periodontal lesions.
Advantages of using an ultrasonic scaler
- It is effective and faster if it is used in the proper way. There is a light touch at the tooth in the shortest time possible
- Subgingival work can be done by using the right tip
- It is known as the highly recommended method in cleaning the teeth in terms of comfort, safety and effectiveness.
Disadvantages of using an ultrasonic scaler
- If extra care is not taken, then damage on the tooth can take place
- The standard beavertail shape tips will not be used on subgingival, only special tips are allowed
- Handpieces may heat up during the procedure when the water pressure fails.