Ultrasonic scaler-used to remove calculus rapidly from the tooth surface

About ten years ago, a colleague called me to ask what type of ultrasonic scalers (piezoelectric or magnetostrictive scalers) did I prefer for periodontal care. He was getting ready to purchase units for all of his operatories. I told him that in my opinion, it really did not matter which system he selected. At the time, ultrasonic scalers were primarily used for gross calculus debridement, while curettes were used for the finer aspects of root planing. I told him what mattered most was the time spent per tooth and the skill of the operator in using their particular instrumentation.

Only a few things have changed since then. Last year, the American Academy of Periodontology published a position in paper summarizing what is known about these instruments and how they compare in their effectiveness (J. Periodontol 2000:71;1792-1801). Recent modifications of tip design for power driven scalers provide improved access into deep pockets and difficult to reach areas such as furcations. Therefore, studies were undertaken to shed light on the potential roles of sonic and ultrasonic scalers in periodontal therapy.

Ultrasonic Scaler(one of Ultrasonic Scaler Dental) is used to remove calculus rapidly from the tooth surface. The scaling tip vibrates in the ultrasonic range of 20-45 kHz (i.e. 20,000 to 45,000 times per second), with an optimum frequency between 18 kHz and 32kHz.

Most of the scaling power is available at the tip, which is cooled with a jet of water.There are three basic types – magnetostrictive, piezo-electric and Odontoson™.

Periodontal disease, an infection of the teeth, gums, and bone that surrounds the teeth, is the number-one cause of adult tooth loss. It begins when plaque, a sticky film of food and bacteria, builds up on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into calculus, also called tartar. The buildup of plaque and tartar dramatically increases the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth and can result in deepening spaces between the teeth and gums, called pockets. Bacteria trigger the body’s immune system to produce enzymes.