
Gum disease starts as gingivitis. Symptoms – red, swollen gums that often bleed when you brush – often go unnoticed. Swollen gums pull away from your teeth, leaving pockets for bacteria to fall into. Below the gumline, bacteria attack your jawbone and structures that support your teeth. The bone and structures weaken. Your gums recede, your teeth become loose, and they may even fall out.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a procedure designed to clean the surfaces of your teeth and smooth the surfaces of your roots. Scaling removes tartar, or hardened plaque (which cannot be removed with a toothbrush), plaque, and bacteria from the visible surfaces of your teeth, as well as between them and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the surfaces of your roots to prevent new buildup. The area between your teeth and gums is washed with an antibacterial agent to kill any lingering bacteria.
What is an Ultrasonic Scaler?
Traditionally, scaling has been done with a metal instrument. While this tool can be effective, it can cause a significant amount of pain, and cause even more trauma to the gum tissue as it moves against your teeth. Over time, technological advances have led to the ultrasonic scaler. This tool relies on low-frequency soundwaves to vibrate against your teeth, effectively removing difficult tartar buildup.
There are two types of ultrasonic scaler. The magnetostrictive model operates at about 25,000 to 30,000 cycles per second, the head moving in a circular motion. The piezoelectric scaler moves at 28,000 to 36,000 cycles per second, while the tip vibrates back and forth against the tooth. Ultrasonic scalers are equipped with a built-in sprayer, which allows us to deliver the antibacterial rinse below your gums as we work.
Benefits of Ultrasonic Scaling
With the rise of ultrasonic scalers, we are better able to effectively, and completely, treat your gum disease and allow your gums to heal. The use of an ultrasonic scaler has numerous benefits:
• | They are less painful than using a traditional scaling tool. Less trauma will be experienced by your already sensitive gum tissue. |
• | They are more effective at removing tartar buildup than a manual scraper. |
• | The spray tip allows us to clean your teeth of debris as we work. The sprayer can administer water or an antibacterial agent. |
• | Surface stains can be removed in the process, giving your teeth a whiter sheen. |
• | You spend less time in the dentist's chair. With a shorter appointment, less of your time is taken up. |
If you are suffering from gum disease, treatment is required. Call Water’s Edge Dental today to find out if the use of an ultrasonic scaler can help you to heal.
FAQs
How does an ultrasonic scaler remove plaque and tartar?
An ultrasonic scaler removes plaque and tartar using high-frequency sound waves that create rapid vibrations. These vibrations break down hardened deposits on the teeth, while a continuous stream of water or antimicrobial solution washes away debris and keeps the area cool. This method is highly effective for deep cleaning, especially in hard-to-reach areas and below the gumline.
What are the different types of ultrasonic scaler tips?
Ultrasonic scaler tips come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different dental needs. The most common types include:
• | Standard tips - Used for general scaling and removing moderate to heavy deposits. |
• | Slim tips - Designed for deep cleaning in periodontal pockets and areas with minimal tartar buildup. |
• | Beveled tips - Ideal for breaking down heavy calculus and stain removal. |
• | Diamond-coated tips - Used for fine finishing and smoothing of root surfaces. |
• | Plastic or resin-coated tips - Recommended for use on dental implants to prevent damage to the surface. |
Your dentist will select the appropriate tip based on your oral health needs.
Can people with sensitive teeth or pacemakers use an ultrasonic scaler?
Patients with sensitive teeth may experience mild discomfort during ultrasonic scaling, but adjustments can be made to reduce sensitivity. Using lower power settings and warm water can help minimize discomfort.
For patients with pacemakers, it is essential to consult their cardiologist before undergoing ultrasonic scaling. While most modern pacemakers are shielded against interference, some older models may be sensitive to ultrasonic vibrations. In such cases, a dentist may opt for manual scaling as an alternative.