Do you need to make an appointment with a dentist for a routine cleaning? If so, it is worth asking about what kind of equipment will be used to clean your teeth. A common tool used these days is the ultrasonic scaler, which replaces the need to do the majority of the work with a hand scaler. Here are a few things to know about this piece of dental equipment.

How the Ultrasonic Scaler Works

If you didn't like getting your teeth cleaned by the dentist because of all the scraping involved, then the ultrasonic scaler may be the solution to your problems. It uses a combination of vibrations and a water jet to get rid of the calcified plaque that is on your teeth, and will leave your teeth feeling clean and smooth in the end.

When Your Dentist Will Use an Ultrasonic Scaler

A dentist will typically go right to using the ultrasonic scaler if they have one at their office, since it can perform a very effective job at cleaning your teeth. It can be used for those that have a lot of calcified tartar on their teeth, and it would take too long to use the hand scaler to remove it all manually. The tool will do a great job at getting into the pockets of the gums to remove plaque that is otherwise hidden from view.

When Your Dentist Will Not Use an Ultrasonic Scaler

There are times when it is not best to use an ultrasonic scaler. A common reason is if the dentist notices that you have issues with sensitivity when using the ultrasonic scaler, since it is possible that the tool is a bit too powerful and your teeth are too sensitive to handle it all. This is more common if your teeth are sensitive to the cold, since the tool does use cold water and applies it directly to your teeth. In addition, many dentists are deciding not to use the ultrasonic scaler since the pandemic started. This is due to the tool using water and causing droplets to go into the air, which does not make it as hygienic as hand scaling. 

Have questions about the ultrasonic scaler that is being used on you? Don't hesitate to contact services like Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to learn more. They'll let you know more about how this tool will change what you think about dental cleanings. 

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