Ultrasonic dental cleaning

Axioma Dental Clinic performs ultrasonic removal of dental deposits. The procedure is simple, painless and effective for dental disease prevention. The ultrasonic method is based on the use of a scaler tip, which vibrates and quickly destroys calculus, which can then be easily removed.

Causes of calculus

Formation of plaque and calculus is a natural process, which can be prevented only by thorough and regular hygienic dental cleaning. After cleaning, a film known as pellicle is formed on the dental surface. Just after a few hours, fragments of food get stuck to it and a soft deposit appears. It is difficult to do the cleaning properly at home, as plaque and calculus accumulate in areas which are difficult to reach for cleaning. With time, plaque hardens because of calcification and becomes mineralized.

It contains food remnants, carbohydrates and pathological microorganisms. Plaque makes a good environment for microbe growth, formation of acids and enamel damage, which leads to caries - progressive softening and destruction of hard tissues resulting in a defect. Caluclus and tartar exert mechanical pressure on the gum and provoke its inflammation, pain and bleeding. This leads to oral diseases, such as gingivitis, periodontitis and marginal periodontitis.

For good quality oral cavity cleaning, dental experts recommend professional in-office removal of dental deposits. If it is performed every six months, plaque and tartar have no time to appear in a sufficient amount so as to cause a disease.

Factors contributing to plaque formation:

• Inadequate or improper hygiene.
• The brush is too soft or the choice of toothpaste is incorrect.
• Prevalence of soft food in the diet.
• Malocclusion.
• Saliva disorders (viscosity and quantity).
• Individual characteristics.
• Certain diseases.
• Metabolic disorders.
• Salivary gland diseases.
• Taking some drugs.

Ultrasonic deposit removal process

Professional cleaning is recommended every six months. Dental deposits are removed by means of an ultrasonic scaler. The machine produces ultrasonic vibrations and transfers them to a narrow tip, which is used to do the cleaning. Dental deposits are destroyed by these vibrations, which makes them easy to separate and remove from the enamel surface. The machine generates ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 16 to 15 kHz, which are safe for humans. 

The scaler allows adjusting the amplitude and ultrasound frequency to make deposit removal comfortable for each patient. The cleaning procedure involves cleaning each tooth on all sides, interdental spaces and all difficult-to-reach areas. In case of high sensitivity, the doctor can perform local anaesthesia. During the procedure, water is fed to the dental arches to clean and cool the tissues. After cleaning, the surface is polished, and remineralizing and fluorine containing agents are applied.

Advice on recovery from the procedure

Right after the professional hygiene, it is advisable not to eat anything for 2-3 hours. Avoid highly pigmented or colouring food and drinks (coffee, tea, freshly squeezed juice, beetroots, berries, etc.). Strictly follow the doctor’s guidelines, e.g. take drugs and treat the gum at home. The procedure can be performed twice, but no more than four times a year.

Possible contraindications

• High enamel sensitivity due to demineralization.
• Thin and fragile enamel.
• Acute viral and bacterial infections.