Ultrasonics Piezoelectric Flashcards
Describe the benefits of ultrasonic use
• Slim diameter tips offer greater access and effective instrumentation options for deep periodontal pockets and furcations
• Ultrasonic instrumentation removes less cementum and causes less damage to the root surface when used on low power with proper technique
• The constant water flow used to cool the tip provides additional benefits:
1. Irrigation flushes toxins and biofilm from the periodontal pocket and has been shown to increase tissue rate of healing
2. Cavitation destroys bacteria and disrupts biofilm colonization
3. Acoustic micro-streaming is thought to impede biofilm adherence
Describe the characteristics of the piezoelectric ultrasonic, including tip motion, cavitation, acoustic streaming and irrigation
- Tip motion: The smooth linear movement generated by piezoelectric systems create a stroke pattern that is similar to hand instrumentation
- Transducer: ceramic
- Stroke pattern: linear
- Cavitation: When water meets the vibrating tip, minute bubbles are created. The bubbles collapse and release energy (cavitation) This has little influence on hard deposit removal, but it can destroy bacteria by disrupting bacterial cells walls
- Acoustic turbulence: The pressure produced within the confined space of the pocket by the continuous stream of fluid flowing over the vibrating instrument tip helps disrupt plaque, and destroy subgingival pathogens
Identify the types of tips Piezoelectric has
Flat
Round
Bladed
Diamond coated
Describe the functions of the flat, round, bladed and diamond coated tips
Flat
• Looks and functions similar to a bladed hand instrument
Round
• Resembles action of a magneto tip since the round profile actually rounds out the motion of the tip
Bladed
• Obvious similarity to bladed hand instrument
• Offers easily identifiable adaptation and effective instrumentation options
Diamond coated
• Features a fine, 30-micron diamond coating for gentle removal of residual calculus
