Ultrasonic scaling is a form of tooth cleaning which refers to the non-surgical technique of scaling, sometimes called “root debridement.” It’s typically a relatively painless procedure in which small dental instruments are used to physically remove deposits from the surfaces of teeth. Ultrasonic scaling has been around for decades and should be part of the dental hygienist’s daily patient routine. Sonic scalers are still around, but most have transitioned to ultrasonic scalers.
To fight periodontal disease, this is needed to reduce plaque, calculus, and the number of bacteria in the pockets in mouth. One device dentists use to remove calculus from teeth is an ultrasonic scaler. It consists of a wand with a small scaling tip that produces a soft ultrasonic vibration. The small, quick vibrations in combination with a water flow give us a whole new level of effectiveness in calculus removal. Ultrasonic scaling removes calculus and reduces the number of harmful bacteria below the gum line. It is an important tool in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. Routine cleanings remove plaque and tartar that exist on your teeth above the gum line, but sometimes, especially if you don’t floss regularly, plaque, tartar and bacteria can develop below the gum line. The goal of scaling and root planning is to remove this source of periodontal infection from below the gum line on the surfaces of the roots. Depending on the severity of the periodontitis, it may take less than half an hour, or it may take multiple sessions to complete the treatment.
