Ultrasonic dental cleaning is not painful, and in fact, you may not even feel the vibrations. However, because they are electronic, they are not recommended for patients who have pacemakers. Ultrasonic scaling tools are also helpful when you are dealing with weakened teeth.
Traditionally, scaling has been done with a metal instrument. While this tool can be effective, it can cause a significant amount of pain, and cause even more trauma to the gum tissue as it moves against your teeth. Over time, technological advances have led to the ultrasonic scaler. This tool relies on low-frequency soundwaves to vibrate against your teeth, effectively removing difficult tartar buildup. There are two types of ultrasonic scaler. The magnetostrictive model operates at about 25,000 to 30,000 cycles per second, the head moving in a circular motion. The piezoelectric scaler moves at 28,000 to 36,000 cycles per second, while the tip vibrates back and forth against the tooth. Ultrasonic scalers are equipped with a built-in sprayer, which allows us to deliver the antibacterial rinse below your gums as we work.