Ultrasonic Scaling - Types & Advantages

Ultrasonic scaling, also known as teeth ultrasonic cleaning, is a modern dental procedure that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the surface of teeth. This technique involves the use of an ultrasonic scaler dental device, which generates vibrations that effectively dislodge and break up hardened deposits. The scaler dental ultrasonic scaling of teeth is highly efficient, as the vibrations produced by the device create a stream of water that flushes away debris and bacteria, ensuring a thorough cleaning. This method is less abrasive compared to manual scaling, providing a more comfortable experience for patients while achieving a cleaner, healthier mouth. Ultrasonic scaling of teeth is widely used in preventive dental care to maintain optimal oral hygiene and prevent gum disease.

What is Ultrasonic Scaling?

Dentists recommend ultrasonic scaling for effectively removing plaque and calculus from teeth. The oral environment is teeming with bacteria, which contributes to the formation of plaque on tooth surfaces. If not addressed, plaque hardens and calcifies into calculus, which can damage the periodontium by growing beneath the gum line, leading to the breakdown of bone and connective tissue. This condition, known as periodontitis or pyorrhea, progresses if untreated, resulting in continuous bone loss and potential tooth loss.

Ultrasonic scaling of teeth is a crucial initial step in periodontal treatment. It helps maintain optimal oral hygiene by removing plaque and calculus, preventing further periodontal damage. During ultrasonic scaling, ultrasonic scalers are employed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums.

How Does Ultrasonic Scaling Work?

Ultrasonic scalers harness the power of sound waves to deliver an effective cleaning experience. The device operates by converting electrical energy into high-frequency vibrations within the handpiece. These vibrations are transmitted to the scaler tip, where they come into contact with the tooth surface. The vibrations disrupt and break apart stubborn calculus and plaque.

Simultaneously, the ultrasonic waves generate microscopic bubbles in the cooling water spray through a process called cavitation. When these bubbles collapse, they release energy that further assists in dislodging plaque and calculus. The combined action of these vibrations and the irrigating water effectively flushes out debris from periodontal pockets, resulting in cleaner teeth and healthier gums.

Types of Ultrasonic Scaling:

Ultrasonic scalers come in several types, each using the principle of ultrasonic vibration to effectively remove dental deposits, but differing in their operational mechanics and frequencies. Here’s a deeper look into the three main types:

Magnetostrictive Scalers: These devices use a magnetostrictive mechanism to generate vibrations. They operate at frequencies between 25,000 and 30,000 cycles per second. The scaler tip in magnetostrictive units moves in an elliptical motion, which allows it to effectively dislodge and break up plaque and calculus. The vibration is produced by an electromagnetic field within the handpiece, which causes the metal stack or ferrite rod inside to vibrate.

Piezoelectric Scalers: Piezoelectric scalers operate at slightly higher frequencies, ranging from 28,000 to 36,000 cycles per second. These scalers use piezoelectric crystals to generate vibrations. When an electric current is applied, these crystals expand and contract, producing linear vibrations at the scaler tip. This linear motion is highly precise, allowing for targeted removal of deposits and minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

Sonic Scalers: Unlike ultrasonic scalers, sonic scalers operate at lower frequencies, typically between 3,000 and 8,000 cycles per second. They generate vibrations through a sonic mechanism, creating a different type of vibration compared to ultrasonic devices. The lower frequency results in a less intense cleaning action, which can be effective for less stubborn deposits but may be less efficient for more challenging cases.

Difference between Ultrasonic Scaling and Traditional Scaling:

Feature	Ultrasonic Scaling	Traditional Scaling
Technology and Mechanism	Uses high-frequency sound waves to create vibrations combined with a cooling water spray.	Involves manual hand instruments like scalers and curettes for scraping.
Efficiency	Generally faster and more effective at removing stubborn deposits; can clean difficult areas.	More time-consuming; less effective in deep pockets and hard-to-reach areas.
Comfort	Typically less uncomfortable due to the vibrating action and cooling water.	May be more uncomfortable due to scraping and pressure on the teeth and gums.
Cleaning Precision	Provides thorough cleaning both above and below the gum line; helps flush out bacteria and debris.	Effective but requires more manual effort; may not reach or clean deeply embedded deposits as thoroughly.
Water Usage	Utilizes a constant stream of water to cool the scaler tip and wash away debris.	Does not use water in the same way; irrigation or rinsing is done separately.

Advantages of Ultrasonic Scaling:

• Ultrasonic scalers excel in removing stubborn calculus, plaque, and intrinsic stains with high-frequency vibrations, ensuring a thorough and effective clean.
• These scalers provide a gentle, minimally invasive cleaning method, reducing tissue damage and enhancing patient comfort compared to traditional manual scaling.
• With various tip designs, ultrasonic scalers effectively clean challenging areas like interproximal spaces, deep pockets, and around orthodontic appliances, benefiting non-surgical periodontal therapy and orthodontic care.
• By applying less pressure with high-frequency vibrations, ultrasonic scalers minimize discomfort, often allowing for treatments with minimal or no anesthesia.
• Ultrasonic scalers improve treatment efficiency, reducing time compared to manual methods, which enhances productivity and minimizes chair time for patients.

When is Ultrasonic Scaling Recommended?

Removal of Heavy Plaque and Tartar: When plaque and tartar build-up is substantial, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, ultrasonic scaling tips provide an efficient solution. The high-frequency vibrations effectively dislodge and remove stubborn deposits that manual tools may struggle to reach.

Treatment of Periodontal Diseases: For patients with gingivitis or periodontitis, ultrasonic scaling of teeth is beneficial in cleaning beneath the gum line. It helps to reduce bacterial load in periodontal pockets, aiding in the management and treatment of these common oral diseases.

Preparation for Restorative Procedures: Before placing crowns, bridges, or fillings, ultrasonic scaling is used to clean and prepare the tooth surface. It efficiently removes old restorations, decay, or overhanging margins, ensuring a clean and suitable surface for new dental work.

Maintenance of Dental Implants: For patients with dental implants, ultrasonic scaling with implant-safe tips helps maintain the implants by cleaning around them effectively. It removes biofilm and calculus without damaging the implant surface, preventing issues like peri-implantitis and ensuring long-term success.

Endodontic Treatments: In endodontics, ultrasonic scaling of teeth assists in cleaning and shaping root canals, improving the effectiveness of the treatment.

Orthodontic Care: Ultrasonic scalers are also useful for debonding orthodontic brackets and removing cement residues, facilitating a smoother orthodontic treatment process.

Disadvantages of Ultrasonic Scaling:

• Generates heat that may harm the pulp and dentin if not properly cooled.
• Can change the tooth’s surface texture, affecting its appearance.
• Cavitation may cause trauma to blood vessels and accelerate coagulation.
• Prolonged use can lead to conditions like "White Finger" (acrocyanosis) and may contribute to hearing loss due to vibration and noise.
• Incorrect technique or excessive force can damage the root and remove important proteins essential for bone health.
• High power settings can lead to significant loss of root substance.
• Produces aerosols that increase the risk of infection transmission.

What to Expect During an Ultrasonic Scaling Procedure:

Preparation: Before the procedure, you'll receive a thorough dental examination. Your dentist may take X-rays to assess the extent of plaque and tartar buildup and discuss any specific concerns or conditions.

Anesthesia: Depending on your comfort level and the extent of cleaning needed, local anesthesia may be administered to numb the area and minimize discomfort.

Ultrasonic Scaling: The dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler, which generates high-frequency vibrations and a stream of water. The scaler tip will be gently applied to your teeth to dislodge and remove plaque, tartar, and stains.

Water Spray: Throughout the procedure, a cooling water spray will be used to keep the scaler tip cool and to flush away debris and bacteria from the treatment area.

Cleaning and Polishing: After scaling, the dentist will perform teeth ultrasound cleaning  thoroughly and may use a polishing tool to smooth the tooth surfaces and remove any remaining stains.

Post-Procedure Care: You may experience some minor sensitivity or discomfort following the procedure. The dentist will provide care instructions, which might include recommendations for oral hygiene practices and any follow-up appointments.

Evaluation: The dentist will review your oral health and discuss any further treatments if needed to maintain optimal oral hygiene.

Ultrasonic Scaling Prices at Medikabazaar:

Product	Brand	Type	Approximate Price (INR)
Denext Air Ultrasonic Scaler	Denext	Ultrasonic Scaler	₹18,000 - ₹25,000
Woodpecker UDS-P Piezo Ultrasonic Scaler	Woodpecker	Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Scaler	₹22,000 - ₹30,000
Orikam UltraMint Ultrasonic Scaler - EMS Type Hand-piece Without Water Tank	Orikam	Ultrasonic Scaler (Hand-piece Only)	₹15,000 - ₹22,000
Dentamerica Chisel Ultrasonic Scaling Tip	Dentamerica	Scaling Tip (Chisel Type)	₹1,500 - ₹2,500
Dentamerica Universal B Ultrasonic Scaling Tip	Dentamerica	Scaling Tip (Universal Type)	₹1,200 - ₹2,000
Woodpecker Ultrasonic Scaling Tips	Woodpecker	Various Types	₹1,800 - ₹2,500

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