All You Need to Know About Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning

Ultrasonic dental cleaning, also called ultrasonic scaling, is a dental procedure to remove calculus (hardened plaque) and other deposits from the surfaces of teeth and below the gum line. According to Forbes, dental cleaning is a safe and effective way to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent the development of gum disease and other oral health problems.

The Need Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning

Preventing gum disease: Tartar and plaque buildup can lead to gum disease, which can cause inflammation, bleeding, and even tooth loss. An ultrasonic dental cleaning can help prevent and treat gum disease by removing the buildup of harmful bacteria.

Removing stains: Coffee, tea, and other foods and beverages can stain teeth over time. An ultrasonic dental cleaning can remove these stains, leaving teeth looking whiter and brighter.

Preventing bad breath: The bacteria in the tartar and plaque buildup can cause bad breath. Ultrasonic dental cleaning can help remove this buildup and improve oral hygiene.

Prepare for other dental procedures: Ultrasonic dental cleaning may be necessary before other dental procedures, such as filling cavities or placing dental implants, to ensure the teeth and gums are healthy and infection-free.

Advantages of Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning

Improved oral health: According to battledental.com, ultrasonic dental cleaning is very effective at removing plaque and tartar from teeth, which can help to improve oral health and prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Less discomfort: Ultrasonic dental cleaning is less uncomfortable than other cleaning methods because it uses high-frequency sound waves to remove plaque and tartar, rather than scraping or grinding.

Faster cleaning: Ultrasonic dental cleaning is a quicker method of cleaning teeth than traditional methods, which can save time and reduce the time patients spend in the dentist's chair.

Greater precision: Ultrasonic dental cleaning is precise, allowing dentists to target specific areas of the mouth more effectively and remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas.

Reduced risk of infection: Ultrasonic dental cleaning reduces the risk of infection because it uses water to flush out bacteria and debris from the mouth.

Potential Concerns of Ultrasonic Dental Cleaning

Sensitivity: Some people may experience sensitivity in their teeth or gums during and after the cleaning. It can be especially true if you have gum disease or receding gums.

Irritation: The high-frequency vibrations of the ultrasonic scaler can sometimes cause irritation or discomfort in the mouth. It can be exacerbated if the dental hygienist is not using the scaler properly.

Noise: Ultrasonic scalers create a high-pitched noise that can be uncomfortable or even painful for some people.

Risk of damage: In rare cases, the ultrasonic scaler can cause damage to the tooth enamel or gum tissue. It can happen if the dentist uses the scaler with too much pressure or for too long.

Equipment cost: Ultrasonic scalers are more expensive than traditional hand-held scaling tools, which can make them less accessible for some dental practices.

Conclusion 

Ultrasonic dental cleaning is a safe and effective method for removing plaque and tartar from teeth. However, as with any dental procedure, there are potential risks and drawbacks that you should consider. It's important to talk to your dentist about any concerns before undergoing an ultrasonic cleaning.