Ultrasonic Scalers
Dear Dr. Calvo,
The last time I had my teeth cleaned, the dentist used an ‘ultrasonic scaler’. My teeth felt sensitive after the cleaning but my dentist told me that this is the best way to get them cleaned. Is this true? I really prefer the traditional scaler…
Thanks,
Missy
Dear Missy,
Great question! Even in my dental practice, we get clients that are baffled by these ‘gadgets’. To put it simply, ultrasonic scalers are indeed believed to be more adept at cleaning your teeth without damaging the root structure of your teeth.
The main difference between ultrasonic scalers and hand scalers is that the former utilizes a high vibrational energy that effectively gets rid of the calcifications on your teeth’s surface. The use of special ‘tips’ also allows these types of scalers to safely reach crevices that other scalers simply cannot contact.
The ultrasonic scaler’s irrigation system, the washing and flushing of the periodontal pocket and tooth root surface with cool water is also believed to be better for cleaning.
It is perhaps this ‘irrigation’ that has caused your teeth to be sensitive after the cleaning session. Normally, your dentist would know if you have sensitive teeth or not but if you had your teeth cleaned by a new dentist who has been less than meticulous about your history or if something happened that made your teeth sensitive that you have not mentioned to the dentist, the use of the ultrasonic scaler may have pushed this sensitivity to be more pronounced.
If you have sensitive teeth or porcelain veneers or some of your teeth show early signs of oncoming decay, then tell your dentist that you really would rather go back to the ‘manual scalers’.
If none of these situations apply to you, then I suggest you give ultrasonic scalers another try.
Regards,
Dr. Calvo
About Author:
Marilyn Calvo DDS is an author of Marilyncalvo.com; Visit (http://www.marilyncalvo.com/) for more information about Cosmetic Dentistry.
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