Calculus is a bacterial hard substance which is deposited in the tooth and which be removed by the dentist with the help of hand instrument...
Calculus is a bacterial hard substance which is deposited in the tooth and which be removed by the dentist with the help of hand instruments or the most advanced ultrasonic tooth scalers.
What is an Ultrasonic Tooth Scaler?
Ultrasonic Tooth Scaler is a device used to perform cleaning of the calculus and stains from the tooth surfaces by high-frequency vibrations. It consists of a electro circuit, water way and ultrasonic transducer. A scaler unit consists of a pen-shaped object which contains a sharply curved tip at the end which vibrates while cleaning the deposits. The control unit controls the vibratory motion of the scaler tip for cleaning. Water is sprayed along with the scaler tip. The scaler tip is made up of stainless steel as well as titanium depending upon the manufacturer.
An ultrasonic tooth scaler completely removes calculus from the tooth causing least or minimal damage to the surface of the tooth. As this creates a smooth surface on the tooth so it is difficult for plaque biofilm to be attached. It is a mechanical process with maximum vibration energy and greater frequency that effectively destroys the calculus. At the tip of the ultrasonic instrument water or antibacterial liquids are forced out along with its vibratory movement so that, the heat and vibration produced by the scaler are effectively managed and this water helps to flush out all the debris, plaque biofilm, and calculus. This ultrasonic scaler is one of the novel methods for the easy and smartest methods to maintain dental hygiene. The action of the ultrasonic scaler is turbulent and at the tipping water is ejected out and thus produced bubbles, this disturbs the bacteria and flushed out. Ultrasonic scalers are not only used for supragingival calculus and are also now used for subgingival calculus but during subgingival scaling extra care must be taken because roots are covered by cementum which is a delicate layer than enamel (which covers the surface of the tooth). Ultrasonic scaling tip vibrates at the frequency of 20 and 45 KHz i.e, 20,000 to 45,000 times per second.
TYPES OF ULTRASONIC SCALERS
There are two types of ultrasonic scalers is available which are based on the mechanism of action.
1. MAGNETOSTRICTIVE ULTRASONIC SCALER
2. PIEZOELECTRIC ULTRASONIC SCALER
MAGNETOSTRICTIVE ULTRASONIC TOOTH SCALER
Vibration pattern of scaler tip is elliptical (active at all sides of the tip) Eg; spiral-like.
Magnetostrictive ultrasonic scalers are effective in removing calculus and stain removal, as also heavy deposit removal, and root planning. The frequency is about 29 KHZ to 40 KHZ. Energy conversion is with the help of a metal rod. Since it has the highest amount of vibration as it is active on all the sides may cause damage and discomfort to the patient.
Advantages
Magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler controls greater infection control and it effectively
removes the deposits because it is active at all sides.
Disadvantages
Magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler not to be used on patients with breathing difficulties such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, obstructive pulmonary diseases.
PIEZOELECTRIC ULTRASONIC TOOTH SCALER
Piezoelectric scaler is active by linear or lateral activation .Energy conversion is by crystal activated by the ceramic handpiece and its frequency is about 29 -50kHz. Patient comfort is better compared to the magnetostrictive scaler and it requires only less amount of water to control the heat. This is also effective in `the removal of calculus and stains. Recently found that a piezoelectric scaler with 100g or 200g of lateral force gives a smoother surface than the magnetostrictive scalers. Mostly used in case of gum disease. But, piezoelectric scaler is less aggressive compared to magnetostrictive scalers.
ADVANTAGES OF PIEZOELECTRIC SCALER
Used for patients with breathing problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and obstructive
pulmonary disease. Needs less water to control heat Can be used in patients with cardiac pacemakers, but magnetostrictive cannot be used. More comfortable for the patient and least to traumatize the tooth
INDICATIONS OF ULTRASONIC TOOTH SCALER
Removes the supragingival plaque biofilms and recently used for subgingival calculus removal.
Case with periodontitis Tenacious stains are also be removed with the help of an ultrasonic scaler.
Exotoxins from the root surface are removed.
CONTRAINDICATIONS OF ULTRASONIC SCALER
Ultrasonic tooth scalers are contraindicated for,
Hemophilia patients
Dysphagia
Patients with communicable diseases eg; tuberculosis
In oral conditions like, The tooth with a demineralized area
Exposed dentinal surface
Recently erupted tooth
Restored teeth
Patients with crowns, bridges, veneers, implants
Patient with gag reflex
Can we use ultrasonic scalers for patients with cardiac pacemaker?
In the case of cardiac pacemakers, piezoelectric ultrasonic scalers are used but magnetostrictive is contraindicated.
Can ultrasonic scalers damage the teeth?
Ultrasonic scalers can damage the teeth with enamel cracks, resin restoration, veneers, and recently erupted permanent tooth.
Can an RDA use an ultrasonic scaler?
Yes, Registered dental Assistance can use ultrasonic scalers.
How do ultrasonic scalers works?
An ultrasonic scaler is a transducer, which converts electrical to mechanical energy with the greatest vibrations and frequency up to 50kHz.
When not to use an ultrasonic scaler?
Ultrasonic scalers are not used in patients with hypersensitive teeth, and for newly erupted teeth
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