You may have heard the term before, but what exactly is an ultrasonic cleaning and how can it help your oral health? A dentist’s tools and dental machines have advanced fairly rapidly over the last decades, which means there are more efficient ways for dentists to help you improve your oral health. Listed below is everything you need to know about ultrasonic cleaning.
What is ultrasonic cleaning?
Ultrasonic Cleaning 101
In the past, dentists would scrape at your teeth with a hand tool. The instrument is known as a scaler, and the scraping helps to keep teeth and gums healthy. The scaler removes what a toothbrush might have missed during your brushings. A scaler is still used today, but there’s also a much easier way to remove more dental tartar in less time without the scraping. This easier way is known ultrasonic cleaning.
How Ultrasonic Cleaning Works
The instrument used during an ultrasonic dental cleaning is called an ultrasonic scaler. The scaler distributes ultrasonic vibrations to your teeth that literally blast off dental tartar, also known as dental calculus. Water will flow out of the end of the tip that will wash away any debris. The water also helps keep the instrument from overheating. You won’t hear the sound waves or feel the vibrations, but you’ll notice that your teeth feel much cleaner. Ultrasonic cleanings are very effective and allow your dentist a strong way to help you maintain your oral health.
Candidates for Ultrasonic Cleanings
If you haven’t been to a dentist in a while, you may have significant plaque and tartar build up. This will lead to tooth decay if it is untreated, and your toothbrush isn’t going to be 100% effective at removing built up plaque and tartar. Only a dentist can remove builds ups on your teeth. If you have gum disease, ultrasonic cleanings can be used to clean under the gum line as well. Just like excessive plaque and tartar buildup, gum disease can cause you to loose teeth and take a toll on your overall oral health. Ultrasonic cleanings can actually be effective in limiting the progression of the early stages of gum disease, and everyone should always see their dentist at least twice a year to maintain their oral health.
Contact Olney Dental for your ultrasonic cleaning
Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment.
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