You may have noticed the dentist using a different tool to clean your teeth during your recent dental visit. In the past, most dentists used metal scraping tools for teeth cleaning, but there is a new way to improve dental cleaning. Let’s discuss what is ultrasonic cleaning, how it differs from manual scaling, and what to expect during this type of teeth cleaning.
What is Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning?
Ultrasonic teeth cleaning is a relatively new method to improve patient comfort during routine dental appointments. The ultrasonic scaler uses vibrations to break up tartar and plaque on the tooth’s surface. After using vibrations to break built-up plaque, the water jets on top of the scaler rinse out your mouth. Mouthwash may be used as an alternative in the jets instead of water.
Ultrasonic cleaning is beneficial to clean areas below the gum line, the surface of teeth, and where manual scaling cannot reach.
Manual Scaling vs. Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic teeth cleaning has some advantages over manual scaling. The benefits of ultrasonic teeth cleaning include:
- An easier technique to remove plaque and tartar
- Increased comfortability when you are having a routine dental visit
- Less time spent at your dental visit
- It reaches underneath the gumline to help prevent and treat gum disease
- It decreases the look of teeth stains
Most dentists use a combination of manual scaling and ultrasonic cleaning for your teeth. However, the ultrasonic scaler is a more effective tool for teeth cleaning when eliminating deposits and tartar.
What to Expect at Your Next Appointment
Before scheduling your next dental appointment, ask your dentist if ultrasonic cleaning is a good method to treat your plaque build-up. While ultrasonic teeth cleaning helps various dental issues, other health issues may impact the effectiveness of this method of treatment.
When choosing the ultrasonic teeth cleaning service, the scaler feels softer on your mouth and teeth. There is less force being used because of the vibrations from the ultrasonic tool in contrast to manual scaling. This makes your teeth cleaning experience comfortable because it is less invasive. Different scaler tips may be used depending on if you have implants, sensitive teeth, or enamel loss. This ensures there is no damage to your dental implants during your teeth cleaning appointment.
Always Choose a Dental Professional for Teeth Cleaning Services
Teeth cleaning services should only be performed by dental professionals and not done in your home. Cleaning your teeth at home with professional equipment increases your risk of damaging your mouth tissue. Tooth sensitivity, infections, and abscesses may occur when you are using high-grade cleaning equipment.
Practice safe hygiene at your home like brushing your teeth, flossing, and other methods. Dental professionals like those at Dental Center of Redondo Beach have the knowledge and experience to handle teeth-cleaning equipment.
If you need to have your teeth cleaned, contact Dental Center of Redondo Beach. Our dentists and team are here to improve your smile. Schedule an appointment today to see how routine cleaning makes a positive impact on the health of your teeth.
