Ultrasonic Scaling Flashcards
Ultrasonic scalers utilize
rapidly vibrating, water-cooled tips to remove
deposits from tooth surfaces and to debride periodontal pockets
Produces less — than hand scaling
operator wrist fatigue
Benefits the gingiva by
removing biofilm & calculus deposits
Types of Powered
ScalersSONIC:
(3)
- Infrequently used in dental practices
- Attached to dental unit and utilizes air pressure to
be activated (3k-8k hertz) - Produces less heat
Types of
Powered
Scalers
* ULTRASONIC:
(4)
- Frequently used in dental practices
- Higher frequency than sonic scalers (20-50 kHz)
- Utilizes water lavage that deplaques/washes away debris from within the periodontal pocket
- Cavitation occurs causing bubbles to form and collapse which disrupts the cell walls of harmful bacteria resulting in lysis (cell death)
Piezoelectric
* Strokes occur in a — pattern via crystals activated by
—
LINEAR
ceramic handpiece
Piezoelectric
Only the — sides are effective in the removal of
—
LATERAL
plaque and calculus
Piezoelectric
The most effective portion of the tip is the last —
2.4mm
Piezoelectric
Requires — water to control heat
LESS
Piezoelectric
* Can be used on patients with
multiple health issues (i.e.,
Asthma, COPD, pacemakers, etc.)
Piezoelectric- continued
* Commonly used in
Europe and Asia
Piezoelectric- continued
* Multiple — can be utilized
area-specific tips
(must use a
special wrench for putting tip on and off)
Piezoelectric- continued
Can be used in — treatment
endo
Piezoelectric- continued
Piezo is reactivated by
dimensional changes in crystals
housed within the hand-piece as electricity passes over the
surface of the crystals- results in vibration that produces tip
movement in a linear direction
Magnetostrictive
* AKA “—”
* Used at
* Operates at
* Strokes occur in
* Always requires
* ALL aspects of the tip are
* NOTE: do NOT use the direct tip for
Cavitron
UMKC SoD and most dental practices
a lower frequency than piezo
an elliptical pattern via stacks of metal sheets
water lavage due to the production of heat
activated and effective for biofilm/calculus removal
calculus removal
Magnetostrictive-
contraindications
(3)
- According to the American Dental
Association, studies have shown some
electronic dental devices may interfere
with implanted cardiac devices - Newer cardiac devices are better shielded
and less susceptible to interference - It is IMPORTANT that you discuss your
patient’s cardiac health hx prior to using a
cavitron- if the pacemaker is older, it is
likely that it is NOT shielded
How does a
cavitron work?
*
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 field that causes the
tip to vibrate. The tip movement is elliptical
Ultrasonic scalers
&
Dental Implants
(2)
- Softip Cavitron Insert- obtain
from Dispensary anytime you
are scaling around an implant - The blue plastic cover is a
one-time use cover
25k magnetostrictive
machines
- Bobcat Pro*
skipped
Parts of a
cavitron Machine
(8)
- Cavitron handpiece
- Foot pedal
- Power adapter
- Water line
- Water line hose
attachment - Water line attachment to
chair water reservoir - Handpiece connector
- Handpiece cable
Power settings for cavitron
* LOW:
* MEDIUM:
* HIGH:
biofilm removal and light subgingival deposits
general debridement of biofilm and calculus deposits
removal of heavy, tenacious calculus deposits
* be sure to adjust water setting accordingly
How to adapt a
cavitron tip
DO NOT USE THE TIP
ON THE TOOTH!
Instead, use the lateral surfaces of the tip to adapt to the
tooth surface. The tip can lead into interproximal spaces,
but not directly contacting the tooth surface. Also, ensure
the tip is always moving, beginning at the coronal surface
toward the apical surfaces.
Cavitron
techniques
(3)
- Use a light grasp and light pressure (heavy
pressure will cause more damage and will
decrease effectiveness of calculus removal) - 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
Remember….
* Ultrasonic scaling should ALWAYS
be done in conjunction with
hand
scaling. Ultrasonic scaling alone is
not effective enough for removal
of grainy spicules of calculus and
must be followed by hand scaling
for best results
Dental restorations and ultrasonic scaling
Be cautious around composite and porcelain
restorations as damage can occur
Crowns can accumulate calculus both
supra and subgingivally, it is best to
use a lower setting to remove these
deposits when using ultrasonic scalers
