Ultrasonic Flashcards
Objectives of Periodontal Debridement
- Disruption and removal of subgingival biofilm
- Removal of plaque retentive factors
- Conservation of tooth structure
- Resolution of inflammation
What is the primary action of ultrasonic instrumentation?
Mechanical action.
What is the purpose of irrigation with ultrasonic instruments?
Irrigation uses water to counteract frictional heat generated by the oscillating tip moving against the tooth surface.
What is cavitation in ultrasonic instrumentation?
The formation and explosive collapse of microscopic bubbles in a liquid due to forces acting on the liquid.
What is acoustic microstreaming?
It occurs near any object in oscillatory motion in liquid, creating fluid movement around the object.
Magnetostrictive armamentarium
Insert
Handpiece
Base unit
Foot switch
Piezoelectric armamentarium
Tip
Handpiece
Base unit
Foot switch
Ultrasonic Operational Variables
Operating frequency
Power input
Water flow rate
Tip diameter
Tip shape
What factors influence the amount of cavitation and microstreaming activity?
The efficiency of the mechanical mechanism of action and the acoustic power.
What factors affect the level of acoustic power in ultrasonic instrumentation?
Displacement amplitude
Tip diameter
Tip shape.
What does the diameter of an ultrasonic tip refer to?
The width of the tip.
What are key design features of ultrasonic tips?
Diameter, shape, geometry, profile, and monitoring tip.
What are the possible shapes of an ultrasonic tip?
Circular or rectangular cross-section.
What is the geometry of an ultrasonic tip?
The number of places the shank crosses.
What does the profile of an ultrasonic tip refer to?
The number of bends in the active area.
When should an ultrasonic tip be replaced?
When 2mm of the tip length is lost, according to manufacturers.
What are specialty tips?
Tips designed for specific tasks or areas in ultrasonic cleaning.
What is a straight ultrasonic tip?
A tip slightly curved in one direction, for universal use.
What are contrangled ultrasonic tips?
Paired instruments used in specific areas.
What are periodontal ultrasonic tips?
Thin, straight tips designed for subgingival areas.
What are slimline ultrasonic tips?
Tips designed for deeper access to subgingival areas.
What are thicker blue and green ultrasonic tips used for?
Higher settings for moderate to heavy calculus.
What is the purple ultrasonic tip used for?
It’s thinner, used for light calculus or biofilm disruption and should be used on lower power.
What is the purple ultrasonic tip good for?
Gingivitis patients
Adaptation techniques for the Ultrasonic
Vertical
Horizontal
Oblique
Ultrasonic Instrumentation Technique Principles
Adaptation
Angulation
Lateral pressure
Working stroke
How is the ultrasonic tip advanced in channeling?
The tip is advanced to the base of the pocket using the indicated stroke pattern.
How is the grasp determined for ultrasonic instrumentation?
Balancing the handpiece between the thumb and forefinger.
What is the purpose of a fulcrum in ultrasonic instrumentation?
stabilization
How should ultrasonic instrumentation be done for efficiency?
Work by sextant to reduce the frequency of changing the tip.
What is the benefit of working by sextant in ultrasonic instrumentation?
It requires fewer changes in the operator’s position.
How should you advance the ultrasonic tip?
Begin on the most terminal tooth and advance toward the operator.
How long should you flush water lines before starting?
60 seconds.
What should you do before using the ultrasonic handpiece?
Fill the handpiece with water and insert the appropriate tip.
How should the water supply be adjusted for ultrasonic instrumentation?
Fine mist
How should the ultrasonic tip be positioned on the tooth surface?
The tip should be parallel to the tooth surface.
What should the angulation of the ultrasonic tip be near?
Near zero degrees.
How much lateral pressure should be applied when using the ultrasonic tip?
Little to no lateral pressure.
What is important to remember about the tip during ultrasonic instrumentation?
Keep the tip moving at all times.
What are some medical conditions that require special consideration for ultrasonic instrumentation?
Communicable diseases
Immunocompromised patients
Kidney disease
Chemotherapy
Organ transplant
Respiratory conditions
Dysphagia
Pacemakers.
Which respiratory conditions may require special consideration?
COPD
Emphysema
Uncontrolled asthma
Cystic fibrosis.
Why should caution be used with patients who have dysphagia or gag easily?
They are at risk for aspiration pneumonia.
What neurological conditions require special consideration during ultrasonic treatment?
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Parkinson’s disease
Muscular dystrophy (MD)
Post-stroke.
Can you use a cavitron if the pacemaker is unshielded?
No
