How Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning Works

The cleaning procedure is done with a specialized ultrasonic scaler instrument. During ultrasonic dental cleaning, the dentist uses an instrument called an ultrasonic scaler. The tip of the scaler is thin. The ultrasonic scaler distributes ultrasonic vibrations to literally blast dental tartar, or dental calculus, off your teeth; As the ultrasonic scaler vibrates, it produces sound waves to break apart the stubborn calculus, When held against the tooth, sound waves bounce off the tooth and cause the tartar and plaque to break up. The sound waves work so well that even hardened plaque, also called calculus, break up. Water flows out of the tip’s end to wash away debris and keep the scaler from overheating. The tip of the scaler does not damage the enamel of the tooth as traditional hand-scaling methods. During a dental cleaning operation, the scaling tip becomes hot due to intense sonic vibration. Therefore, it needs a continuous stream of water to keep it cool.

Although you won’t feel the vibrations or hear the sound waves, you’ll most likely notice that your teeth feel cleaner. And your dentist will have significantly reduced the amount of dental plaque bacteria that causes most dental diseases. Using only the vibrations from the scaler, patients can expect a painless process.

People with Gum Disease

People with gum disease need the best cleaning possible. This is not possible when getting a traditional hand scaling. The ultrasonic cleaning instrument reaches below the gum line to remove the tartar and plaque there, but does not damage the teeth. People with periodontal disease have to deal with many dental problems. Their teeth tend to be loose and not secure beneath the gum line. The ultrasonic cleaning is ideal for them because the tip does not put pressure on the tooth itself.