At your dental cleaning appointments, a dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth. During the appointment, your teeth will be brushed, flossed, polished, and plaque removed. Previously, only hand instruments were used to remove debris from your teeth. However, we can now perform ultrasonic tooth cleaning for patients. This method employs a vibrating hand tool, water, mouthwash, and the power of tiny bubbles to clean your teeth.
Have you asked yourself, what would be the most common ultrasonic teeth cleaning side effects? Is it safe to be used and what are the exact situations that could be useful and what are the exceptional cases that can’t go under ultrasonic teeth cleaning?
Today, we’d like to address a few facts about ultrasonic cleaning to help address some of these common rumors:
7 FACTS ABOUT ULTRASONIC TEETH CLEANING:
1) It’s far faster than manual scaling.
Manual scaling can take up to 2 hours (!) for severe tartar buildup, but ultrasonic teeth cleaning typically takes approximately 30 minutes.
2) It works just as well, if not better, than manual scaling to reduce tartar.
According to research, ultrasonic teeth cleaning is equally effective as hand scaling in removing plaque and tartar.
Most importantly, ultrasonic scalers have three characteristics that may make them better at breaking up that horrible tooth gook:
Ultrasonic scalers have a small tip that penetrates deeper into dental pockets than traditional manual scalers. The post-vibration water spray helps dislodge plaque and tartar. Additionally, the vibrations create oxygen bubbles in deep dental pockets, which kill harmful bacteria and prevent gum disease.
3) It can eliminate the look of stains.
Yellowing and stains are produced in part by plaque accumulation. As a result, it stands to reason that ultrasonic teeth cleaning would improve the appearance of your teeth.
However, whether it renders them whiter than standard scaling is debatable. In theory, both should help lessen the appearance of stains if used completely.
4) It causes less pain than manual scaling.
Traditional hand scaling requires the dentist to apply a significant amount of pressure to the tooth, which can cause discomfort and even pain.
If your dentist is inexperienced, the metal scaler may puncture or damage your gum line. Ultrasonic teeth cleaning employs vibrations and water for a gentler, less invasive clean.
5) Compared to hand scaling, it causes less enamel damage.
Given the aforementioned increased pressure on the teeth and the possibility of dental user mistake with manual scaling, it’s not surprising that ultrasonic scalers have been demonstrated to be less harmful to enamel.
If you have sensitive teeth or weak enamel, we strongly recommend ultrasonic cleaning over manual scaling.
6) Although at-home ultrasonic scalers are available, the ADA does not approve them for good reason.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of ultrasonic scalers available with the press of a button, but consumers should be aware that wrong use of these equipment can cause gum injury, gum recession, and infection.
Dental hygienists undergo years of training to use these equipment correctly, so it’s unlikely that you’ll learn in 20 minutes.
A better alternative? Maintain proper oral hygiene at home by using a toothbrush that cleans both teeth and gums. Visit your dentist twice a year.
7) Although generally safe, there are certain health hazards… Especially to your dentist. Especially now.
Some of the documented health hazards include cell disruption, platelet damage, pacemaker stoppage, transient tinnitus, and auditory impairment for long-term clinicians.
The most serious health risk of ultrasonic teeth cleaning is that the water produced during the process reacts with the patient’s oral germs, resulting in aerosols emitted throughout the procedure.
Are there any side effects of ultrasonic teeth cleaning?
Some people dislike both the sound and the sensation of using an ultrasonic teeth cleaning. Similarly, if you have receding gums or very sensitive teeth, ultrasonic cleaning may cause discomfort. In this case, requesting your hygienist to demonstrate the power of the machine can be really beneficial.
Ultrasonic cleaners should not be used on persons who have pacemakers, and those with crowns, veneers, or bridges may find that the vibrations loosen the dental work.
Most importantly, ultrasonic cleaning does not replace your usual oral care routine. It is still necessary to brush twice a day with a decent electric toothbrush, floss regularly, and have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months or so.
While it’s safe, there are some health risks
Limited effectiveness at removing deep plaque and tartar:
Ultrasonic teeth cleaners can help remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface, but they may not be effective against deeper deposits. As a result, additional steps, such as flossing or professional cleanings, are required to remove deep plaque and tartar.
Potential for discomfort or irritation:
Certain people may find it uncomfortable or aggravating to use an ultrasonic teeth cleaner because of the high vibration or loud sound it creates, depending on the model.
Risk of injury:
When using ultrasonic tooth cleaning devices, there is a minimal risk of injury, such as minor abrasions or cuts to the gum tissue or other soft tissue in the mouth. To reduce this risk, follow the manufacturer’s directions and carefully control the device.
The risk of infection:
Using ultrasonic teeth cleaners increases the risk of infection since they may come into touch with germs or other disease-causing factors in the mouth. To reduce the danger of contagion, properly sanitise the device after each use and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for refilling the cleaning solution.
Risk of allergic reactions:
People who are sensitive to the components used in ultrasonic teeth cleaners, such as the cleaning solution or gel, should exercise caution. Before use, undertake a skin patch test to check for allergies, and if you have any concerns, consult a dental professional.
Who shouldn’t use an ultrasonic teeth cleaner?
Children:
It is typically suggested to wait until kids attain the age of 12 before having an ultrasonic tooth cleaner be a part of their dental hygiene routine.
People with specific medical conditions:
Some medical issues may prevent the use of ultrasonic teeth cleaning. People with uncontrolled diabetes or those who are immunocompromised, for example, may be more susceptible to infection while using an ultrasonic teeth cleaner. If you have any medical conditions that may interfere with your ability to utilise an ultrasonic tooth cleaner, you should speak with a dental expert or a doctor.
People with a pacemaker or other implanted devices:
The gadget’s high-frequency vibrations may interfere with the operation of the pacemaker or other implanted device, leading it to malfunction or stop operating.
Before utilising an ultrasonic tooth cleaner, people with pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices should consult with a medical physician or a dental specialist. They can answer questions about the device’s safety and proper use.
If you have a pacemaker or other digital equipment installed, you should avoid using an ultrasonic teeth cleaner because it may interfere with their function. Thus, avoiding from using the cleaner would be smart in order to decrease the possibility of interference.
People with specific dental work:
Individuals with specific types of dental work, such as crowns, bridges, or veneers, may not be suitable candidates for using ultrasonic tooth cleaners. The high-frequency vibrations produced by the device may weaken or loosen this sort of dental work. So, if you have any dental work that could be disrupted by an ultrasonic tooth cleaner, you must visit a dental professional.
People with certain allergies:
If you have any sensitivities or allergies, you should test the product meant for an ultrasonic teeth cleaner on a small area of skin before using it, as some people may be allergic to its ingredients, such as the cleaner solution or gel. If you have any concerns about your oral health, consult a dentist.
Final Thoughts
So, in essence, ultrasonic teeth cleaners can help people maintain good oral health from the comfort of their own homes. They effectively remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces while still being gentle on the teeth and gums. However, it is important to note that they may be less effective in removing deep deposits of plaque and tartar. These equipment must be used in conjunction with other methods of maintaining proper dental hygiene.
Assume you have questions regarding ultrasonic tooth cleaning or are interested in trying one. In that scenario, we propose calling the Oval Dental Clinic in Dubai, UAE. The dental specialists at oval dental clinic can provide you additional information and help you decide if an ultrasonic tooth cleaner is correct for you. They can also provide advice on how to use the device properly and effectively, as well as address any other oral hygiene-related queries. Contact Oval Dental Clinic now to learn more!
