Ultrasonic Scaling: Advanced Professional Tooth Cleaning at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, Michigan
After a thorough, professional tooth cleaning, you know that your teeth look brighter and feel fresher. But cleaning is the primary means of preventing and treating periodontal (gum) disease. Since many studies suggest a link between periodontal health and overall (systemic) health, regular tooth cleaning may benefit not just your mouth, but your whole body.
Over time, dental plaque (a bacterial biofilm) and stains build up on tooth surfaces. Dental calculus (also called tartar), a harder deposit, can then form both above and below the gum line. A thorough dental cleaning removes these substances and helps keep disease-causing bacteria from proliferating. This is usually accomplished by the non-surgical technique of scaling, or “root debridement.”
What Is An Ultrasonic Scaler?
The ultrasonic scaler is a key modern tool in professional cleaning. It uses electromagnetic forces in the hand-held “wand” to cause its tiny tip to vibrate rapidly (faster than the speed of sound), effectively blasting away plaque, calculus, and stains from the tooth surfaces.
The scaler uses a small stream of water and/or antibacterial mouthwash, called lavage, to cool the tip and flush away debris. The vibrating tip causes some of this water to break into millions of tiny bubbles, an effect called cavitation, which ruptures the walls of bacterial cells, creating an environment less hospitable to harmful bacteria.
Ultrasonic Scaling vs. Hand Scaling
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Speed and Efficiency: Studies show that a thorough ultrasonic cleaning takes about one-third less time compared to hand scaling.
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Comfort: Many patients prefer ultrasonics because the clinician needs to use less force than with a hand scaler. The small tip can also access deep areas under the gum line with less discomfort.
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Combination: Sometimes an ultrasonic scaler is used first, and then any stubborn areas are scaled by hand to ensure a complete cleaning.
The Experience of Ultrasonic Scaling
Anyone who has a substantial buildup of tartar or is prone to gum disease can benefit from ultrasonic scaling. It is highly effective at removing stains from coffee and cigarettes. For all its power, most people experience little or no discomfort during the procedure at Schaefer Dental Group.
If you have sensitive teeth, the procedure can be adjusted for increased comfort by using slimmer tips, applying a topical anesthetic, or adjusting the power range and water flow. Special tips are also available for cleaning composite or porcelain restorations and titanium implants.
Important Note: If you have a cardiac pacemaker, please be sure to alert all dental professionals/personnel before ultrasonic scaling treatment so necessary precautions can be taken.
To schedule your next advanced professional cleaning, contact Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, Michigan.