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What Is Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning?

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Photo of ultrasonic scaler

 

At your dental cleaning appointments, you will have your teeth thoroughly cleaned by a dental hygienist. During that appointment, your teeth are brushed, flossed, polished and plaque is removed from the teeth. In the past, hand tools were the only tools used to remove the particles on your teeth. However, ultrasonic teeth cleaning is something we can now do for patients. This involves a vibrating hand tool that uses those vibrations plus water, mouthwash and the power of tiny bubbles to get your teeth clean.

 

How Many People Visit The Dentist?

Most people would agree that oral health is very important, and something that we should make sure that we’re taking care of. Although 85% of people agree that oral health is extremely important to their overall health, only 58% of people actually see their dentist each year. Dentists top the list of health practioners that Americans want to see more often, but unfortunately people aren’t regularly visiting their dentists as often as they should be. It’s recommended that people see their dentist twice a year, but it is dependent upon an individual’s oral health habits and medical conditions. Normally, patients see their dentist for routine checkups and cleanings, but these visits are essential in preventing cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. As the dental industry has evolved and improved over the last century, so have the different technologies that are used to improve patients’ gums, teeth, and overall mouth health. These technologies allow patients to have the healthy and beautiful smiles that we all seek for.

 

Ultrasonic Cleaning

One of the newest technologies being implemented in dentistry is called ultrasonic cleaning. Tooth cleaning isn’t just for aesthetic appeal, but is the primary means of preventing disease and tooth decay. For this reason, your dental cleaning is one of the most important part of your checkup because it allows for a thorough cleaning of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Ultrasonic cleaning focuses on removing dental plaque (a naturally occurring bacterial biofilm) and dental calculus (tartar), which form hard deposits and stains on teeth. When someone has a buildup of plaque and tartar, these substances can contain disease-causing bacteria that can cause major damage to your teeth and overall oral health.

 

To remove deposits from your teeth, dentists typically use a technique called scaling in which they use a small dental instrument to physically remove deposits from your teeth. In the past, this has always been manual, but ultrasonic scalers have changed the way that dentists clean teeth. An ultrasonic scaler uses electromagnetic forces in the unit’s hand-held “wand” to cause the tip to vibrate. In turn, these vibrations, which are faster than the speed of sound, effectively blast away all plaque and calculus stains that might be on your teeth. This process is also accompanied by a small stream of water, called a lavage, that emerges near the tip of the scaler and helps blast away any remaining buildup.

 

What To Expect

On average, ultrasonic cleaning takes about one-third less time than manual scaling does. This means that you’ll be in and out of dental cleaning much faster than you used to in the past. Additionally, many patients prefer this method because it is softer on the mouth and teeth-the clinician has to use less force on the instrument because the scaler, through its vibrations and lavage, do most of the work. Because of the size and shape of the mouth, dental work can sometimes be an uncomfortable process, but ultrasonic cleaning helps take away some of that discomfort, with most patients experiencing little or no discomfort during the entire process.

 

Patients who have a significant amount of tartar or calculus buildup can benefit greatly from ultrasonic cleaning. It is one of the most effective tools to break up old and hard to remove stains, like those from coffee or cigarettes. For those with sensitive teeth, there are also slimmer tips on the scaler that can be used which alleviate even more pain. The flow of lavage water, the power range, and the frequency of the tip vibrator can all be adjusted, as well, to help with sensitivity or discomfort. Special tips are also used to clean porcelain teeth restorations, titanium implants or enamel loss on your teeth. Ultrasonic cleaning has provided a faster and more efficient way for dentists to clean their patients teeth and minimize the discomfort that their patients’ can feel while getting their mouths cleaned.

 

Tips For Home Dental Care

Ultrasonic cleaning is great for those difficult stains that you’ve had for a long time. But to prevent plaque buildup and calculus deposits from occurring in the first place, having a good oral hygiene schedule at home is the first step in maintaining a healthy mouth. Even after your dental visit, it is important to continue your brushing, flossing, and fluoride habits to continue protecting your teeth from bacteria and infection. Your teeth are the hardest substance in your body, but your bone enamel can break down from what you eat and drink, like sugary beverages and foods high in sugar.

 

Brushing plays a vital part in maintaining good oral health and fighting plaque. Many mistakes that Americans make is the amount of time that they spend brushing their teeth. Your teeth should be brushed for a full two minutes each day, which may seem like a long time, but is essential when dealing with pesky plaque and calculus. Also, make sure that you’re not brushing your teeth too hard. It may seem like brushing harder will remove more food, but it can damage your gums so remember to take it slow and use a toothbrush with soft bristles. If you are due for your dental cleaning, call Stonebrook Family Dental today at (303) 872-7907!

 

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