Dental Hygiene Therapy – Ultrasonic vs. Hand Scaling?

The purpose of this article is to explain how and why we use the ultrasonic device, also known as the cavitron or the waterscaler, during your dental hygiene treatment.

The ultrasonic device has changed a lot in the last 30 years. It used to be only for removing hard deposits of calculus (tarter) above the gums, and the tips were thick and clumsy. Most of the work was done by hand scaling. Now, we have many different tips, all thin enough to go under the gums. We also keep learning new ultrasonic methods and practices through continuing education.

The ultrasonic device is good at removing calculus (and it seems to do it faster than hand scaling), but it does not always get rid of everything. It is better at flushing out the bacteria and plaque that hide under the gums. After using the ultrasonic device, we usually do some hand scaling, which gives us more feeling for the teeth and gums. Sometimes, we may use the ultrasonic device again at the end of the hand scaling to give the tissues a final rinse.

Most of the time, the best results come from using both hand scaling and ultrasonic device together.

However, not every hygienist works the same way. We all have different backgrounds, experiences, and preferences. We choose the tools and techniques that we think will work best for your specific needs. Some of us may use more hand instruments, others may use more ultrasonic device. There is no absolute right or wrong.

Also, every mouth and its gum condition is different. And every patient has a different feeling about the ultrasonic device. Some people like it, some people don’t. Some people find it comfortable, some people find it uncomfortable.