Powered Scalers

Question 1

what are powered scalers used for

Answer 1

• benefits the gingiva by removing biofilm and calculus deposits
• produces less operator wrist fatigue than hand scaling
• utilize rapidly vibrating, water-cooled tips to remove deposits from tooth surfaces and to debride periodontal pockets

Question 2

what are the types of powered scalers

Answer 2

sonic and ultrasonic

Question 3

what are the types of ultrasonic

Answer 3

• piezoelectric
• magnetostrictive

Question 4

describe ultrasonic scalers

Answer 4

• operate at higher frequency than sonic scalers (20-50 kHz)
• utilize a water lavage that deplaques/washes away debris in the periodontal pockets
• cavitatio occurs with these isntruments causing bubbles to form and collapse thereby disrupting the cell walls of harmful bacteria resulting in lysis/cell death

Question 5

describe sonic scalers

Answer 5

-air driven
- produces less heat that ultrasonic
-3,000-8,000 hertz

Question 6

describe piezoelectric

Answer 6

• operates at a frequency of 29 kHz - 50 kHz
• strokes occur in a linear pattern via crystals activated by the ceramic handpiece
• only the lateral sides are effective in the removal of plaque and calculus
• the most effective portion of the tip is the last 2.4mm
• requires less water to control heat
• can be used on patients with multiple health issues
• multiple area- specific tips can be used
• used in endo treatment when utilizing the proper tips

Question 7

what is the mode of action of piezoelectric

Answer 7

• reactivated by dimensional changes in crystal housed within the handpiece as electricity passed over the surface of the crystals
• the resultant vibration produces tip movement that is primarily linear in direction

Question 8

describe magnetostrictive

Answer 8

• commonly referred to as brand name Cavitron
• operates at a lower frequency than piezo (20-40 kHz)
• strokes occur in an elliptical pattern via stacks of metal sheets
• all aspects of tip are activated and therefore effective for biofilm and calculus removal

Question 9

why do magnetostrictive require water

Answer 9

production of heat

Question 10

what should the tip of magnetostrictive not be used for

Answer 10

calculus removal

Question 11

when should magnetistrictive not be used

Answer 11

for patients with a pacemaker unless shielded

Question 12

what is the mode of action of magnetostrictive

Answer 12

• using flat metal strips in a stack or a metal rod attached to a scaling tip; electrical currents are supplied to a wire coil in the hand piece
• a magnetic field is created around the stack or rod transducer causing it to constrict
• an alternating current then produces an alternating magnetic file that causes the tip to vibrate
• tip movement is elliptical

Question 13

what are the parts of a cavitron machine

Answer 13

• cavitron handpiece
• foot pedal
• power adapter
• water line
• water line hose attachment
• water line attachment to chair water reservoir
• handpiece connector
• handpiece cable

Question 14

what are the parts of a cavitron insert

Answer 14

• working end- tip
• O -ring
• metal stacks

Question 15

what are the power settings for cavitron and what are they used for

Answer 15

• low: biofilm removal and light subgingival deposits
• medium: general debridement of biofilm and calculus deposits
• high: removal of ehavy, tenacious calculus deposits
• adjust water setting accordingly

Question 16

how do you adapt the cavitron tip

Answer 16

use the lateral surfaces of the tip to adapt to the tooth surface
- tip can lead into interproximal spaces but not directly contacting the tooth surface
- ensure the tip is always moving beginning at the coronal surface toward the apical surfaces

Question 17

describe the cavitron technique

Answer 17

• use light grasp and light pressure
• strokes need to be overlapping and in many directions - oblique, horizontal, vertical
• the tip must contact all aspects of the root surfaces to thoroughly disrupt biofilm accumulation

Question 18

what will heavy pressure on cavitron cause

Answer 18

more damage and will decrease effectiveness of calculus removal

Question 19

what cavitron tip is used for implants

Answer 19

yellow with blue plastic cover for a one time use cover

Question 20

what machine is used with ultrasonic scalers and dental implants

Answer 20

30k machine

Question 21

what two machines are there for cavitron at the dental school

Answer 21

30k and 25k

Question 22

for the cavitron insert wear guide, what is optimum efficiency

Answer 22

tip extends beyond blue line

Question 23

for the cavitron insert wear guide what is 25% efficiency loss

Answer 23

tip touches blue line- reorder

Question 24

for the cavitron insert wear guide what is 50% efficiency loss

Answer 24

tip touches red line- discard

Question 25

ultrasonic scaling should always be done in conjuction with:

Answer 25

hand scaling

Question 26

ultrasonic scaling alone is not effective enough for:

Answer 26

removal of grainy spicules of calculus

Question 27

what type of restorations should you be cautious around

Answer 27

composite and porcelain restorations

Question 28

when using ultrasonic scalers with crowns how should you do this

Answer 28

use lower setting to remove supra and subgingival deposits

Question 29

what are the movements of piezoelectric, magetostrictive and sonic scalers

Answer 29

• linear
• elliptical
• round