Ultrasonic teeth cleaning without treatment. Ultrasonic teeth cleaning: contraindications

The best prevention for most dental diseases is regular removal of plaque and tartar. Unfortunately, standard hygiene procedures are not enough for this, and therefore it is recommended to carry out professional cleaning approximately every six months. Various techniques are used to remove tartar, and the most popular today is ultrasonic cleaning. Like other therapeutic and prophylactic procedures, ultrasonic teeth cleaning has its contraindications, which limits its use for certain categories of patients.

How does ultrasonic cleaning work?

Remove hardened deposits using an ultrasonic device - a scaler. Its tip is brought close to the teeth and affects the stone with vibrations with a certain amplitude. The teeth are first coated with a continuous layer of gel, which actively releases oxygen during operation of the device. This contributes to the effective destruction of tartar and its separation from the tooth surface without damaging the enamel. Ultrasound allows you to get rid of not only visible deposits located above the gums, but also hidden in subgingival pockets.

Anesthesia is used in case of increased tooth sensitivity and the presence of subgingival stones; in other cases, cleaning is painless. The duration of the procedure is on average 60 minutes, the number of sessions is determined by the doctor depending on the condition of the patient’s teeth. During cleaning, the following manipulations are performed:

  • removal of soft plaque;
  • treatment of dental canals;
  • removal of stone above and below the gums;
  • washing subgingival pockets with an antiseptic solution.

After ultrasonic treatment, the enamel must be polished, which helps reduce deposits on the teeth in the future. This is done using compressed air and a special mixture containing abrasive substances. If the enamel is left without polishing, its rough surface will become more quickly contaminated with plaque and will be more difficult to clean with a toothbrush.

Advice. The polished surface becomes smooth and shiny, but due to the thinning of the enamel, tooth sensitivity may increase. To avoid such unpleasant consequences, many clinics offer patients fluoridation - additional treatment of teeth with fluoride-containing pastes.

Benefits of the procedure

At first glance, plaque on teeth seems harmless, and the main reason for removing it is its unaesthetic appearance. But microorganisms actively develop in plaque and tartar, the vital activity of which gradually destroys the enamel, causes bad breath, damage to teeth, and even tooth loss.

Ultrasonic cleaning allows you to effectively get rid of tartar and other deposits, which means it minimizes the risk of disease. The procedure also eliminates bad breath and makes teeth several shades whiter. All this helps to maintain a snow-white, healthy smile and increases a person’s confidence in their attractiveness.

If your teeth are already damaged, this procedure will also be very useful. After cleaning, any changes in the tooth enamel are clearly visible, which allows the dentist to prescribe treatment in a timely manner. When filling teeth, ultrasonic treatment ensures the most reliable adhesion of the filling to the tooth, and therefore increases its service life. Neither mechanical nor chemical cleaning gives such results.

While highly effective and painless, this procedure is characterized by a relatively low cost. It should be noted that ultrasonic cleaning is completely safe if all manipulations are performed by a qualified specialist and the patient has no contraindications.

List of contraindications

Contraindications to the use of ultrasonic cleaning can be divided into two groups. The first is temporary factors, after elimination or cessation of which ultrasound procedures can be used without any fear. The second group includes absolute contraindications, which completely prohibit the use of ultrasound devices, since their exposure can have serious consequences for the patient’s health.

What is the reason for the ban on the use of ultrasound procedures? When treating teeth, ultrasonic vibrations affect not only deposits, but also blood, which can cause complications in cardiovascular diseases. Also, sound waves can disrupt the functioning of pacemakers and other similar devices and negatively affect the metabolism of cells in the body. When brushing baby teeth, the process of formation of roots and the entire dentition is disrupted, which in the future can provoke malocclusion and the development of other defects.

As for pregnancy, everything is not so clear. There is no evidence of the negative impact of ultrasound on fetal development, and pregnant women must undergo routine ultrasound examinations. At the same time, it is undesirable to carry out additional ultrasound procedures, especially in the first trimester. In the early stages, many women experience increased sensitivity of the body to various types of influences, and therefore any possible irritants should be avoided.

If the mucous membrane in the mouth is damaged, as well as the presence of stomatitis or inflammation, ultrasonic teeth cleaning can aggravate the situation and lead to new injuries. Pathogenic bacteria penetrate into the smallest microcracks, increasing inflammatory processes and associated pain. Because of this, treatment is delayed, the quality of daily oral hygiene decreases, and plaque formation, on the contrary, increases.

But the presence of contraindications does not mean that professional cleaning should be completely abandoned. Dental plaque leads to caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and other serious diseases, so it is imperative to remove them. The most important thing is to find a good specialist who will select the optimal cleaning method, taking into account existing contraindications.

Elimination of temporary contraindications

Most contraindications are not difficult to determine, especially if it concerns serious diseases in the acute or chronic stage. But sometimes a person may not be aware of their presence or ignore the possible manifestations of an incipient disease. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you need to listen carefully to your body and undergo scheduled examinations in a timely manner.

You should not sign up for ultrasonic cleaning in the following cases:


Before brushing, be sure to visit your dentist and check the condition of your teeth. Only a doctor can accurately determine whether there is a need for the procedure and make sure there are no obvious contraindications. If mechanical injuries, neoplasms or inflammatory processes are detected, the dentist prescribes treatment, and until the problems are eliminated, there can be no question of using ultrasound.

Inflammation of the gums and mucous membranes is a reason to postpone ultrasonic teeth cleaning

The quality of ultrasonic cleaning directly depends on the professionalism of the doctor. If the dentist lacks experience, he can leave chips and cracks in the enamel, damage the gums, or miss deposits in hard-to-reach places. In both cases, this has negative consequences for the patient’s dental health, which means that the choice of a specialist must be treated with maximum responsibility.

Video - Ultrasonic teeth cleaning: contraindications

Teeth cleaning with ultrasonic devices is the most popular and effective hygienic procedure in dentistry. This method allows you to get rid of age spots and tartar of any size and location. In addition, it is safe, does not damage crowns and gums, and is easily tolerated by patients.

But there are reviews about the dangers of ultrasonic cleaning. And they are true: careless manipulation or the use of outdated devices leads to serious consequences that will take a long and expensive time to eliminate. How the hygienic procedure should be carried out, what mistakes a doctor can make and where in Moscow is best to remove dental plaque is described in the review. Read also about withdrawal, who is it suitable for.

Ultrasonic teeth cleaning for tartar removal, what is it?

Ultrasonic teeth cleaning is carried out with special devices - scalers or scalers. They consist of:

  • two blocks: control and vibration generation;
  • liquid supply systems - distilled water or antiseptic solution with fragrances;
  • tip;
  • several types of attachments: the dentist chooses their type depending on the clinical picture, for example, to remove hard deposits they use a tip with a blunt and wide tip, to remove subgingival calculus - with a long and tapered tip.

During operation, the scaler creates ultrasonic vibrations with a frequency of 25-50 kHz - their strength is selected depending on the massiveness of the deposits, the condition of the patient’s gums and enamel. These vibrations are transmitted to the tip, and then to the nozzle. When the working attachment is passed along the surface of the teeth, the mineralized plaque is physically destroyed.

In addition to mechanical action, cleansing also occurs due to the cavitation effect. The antibacterial solution is supplied not only for washing out destroyed deposits and antiseptic treatment. Ultrasound in a liquid medium forms many microscopic bubbles, which explode upon contact with the surface and also destroy mineralized formations.

Ultrasonic teeth cleaning is carried out using scalers or scalers.

Ultrasonic teeth cleaning is a universal hardware hygienic procedure. It allows you to get rid of deposits of any type:

  • soft bacterial plaque;
  • pigmented plaque;
  • supragingival tartar;
  • subgingival deposits.

No other device for removing plaque and stone has such a multifaceted spectrum of action.

Methodology

Ultrasound cleaning consists of a set of three procedures:

  • directly removing plaque and stones with a scaler;
  • crown polishing;
  • strengthening the enamel and saturating it with useful substances.

Polishing is a mandatory step. If teeth remain rough, plaque will quickly reattach to them.

With conventional ultrasonic cleaning, polishing is carried out manually, using special brushes and pastes. This option is considered classic.


Air Flow cleaning allows you to get rid of deposits of any type

But there is another way of polishing - using (“Air Flow”). This device removes remaining plaque and makes the crowns smooth by treating the units with a water-air mixture containing abrasive particles.

The polishing option using Air Flow is the best. But it increases the cost of the procedure by 2-4 thousand rubles. In addition, the combination of two techniques is no longer considered ordinary ultrasonic cleaning, but professional oral hygiene.

Step-by-step ultrasonic teeth cleaning:

  • examination of the oral cavity, determination of the massiveness and localization of deposits;
  • application or infiltration anesthesia - in general, cleaning is painless, but in case of increased tooth sensitivity (hyperesthesia) or removal of stone from periodontal pockets, local anesthesia is required;
  • installation of a mouth retractor is a special soft lip retractor that does not allow the patient to close his lips, provides good visibility and access to the teeth;
  • introduction of a saliva ejector - it removes saliva and an antiseptic solution that is supplied during the procedure;
  • direct removal of deposits: first, plaque and tartar are removed from the supragingival part of the teeth, then along the gingival border, and then from periodontal pockets;
  • polishing and grinding of crowns;
  • treatment of units with preparations for fluoridation and/or remineralization;
  • if necessary, rinse the gums with antiseptic solutions and apply applications with anti-inflammatory gels to them.

Ultrasonic cleaning allows you to get rid of all types of plaque

Advantages and Disadvantages

Ultrasound cleaning of crowns is considered the best due to numerous advantages:

  1. Versatility. Scalers can be used to clean plaque and stone of any size and location.
  2. Antiseptic effect. It is achieved by irrigating teeth with antibacterial solutions and the antimicrobial effect of cavitation. This property is especially useful for patients with periodontitis: after using ultrasound, maximum disinfection of periodontal pockets is achieved, as a result of which the gums heal faster.
  3. Possibility to customize the device to suit different needs. The frequency of ultrasonic vibrations is selected individually, taking into account the condition of the patient’s teeth and gums. The same applies to nozzles - here the priority depends on the location of the stone.
  4. Gum massage. Ultrasonic vibrations additionally massage the mucous membrane, which helps normalize trophism and metabolic processes in tissues.
  5. Gentle effect. During ultrasonic cleaning, only 0.1 microns of dental tissue is removed. For comparison, during manual stone removal with curettes, 5-25 microns of enamel are damaged (statistical data taken from the dental information portal “MyDentist” https://bit.ly/2DGbjHY
  6. Elimination of unpleasant odor. The effect is achieved by removing plaque coupled with antiseptic treatment.
  7. Enamel brightening. Scalers are not able to whiten enamel fabrics. But by removing stones, pigmented plaques and polishing teeth, they become 1-2 shades lighter.
  8. Long-term effect of the procedure. Plaque will accumulate again in 6-12 months.

Scalers can be used to clean plaque and stone of any size and location.

Another advantage of cleaning with scalers is the short duration. But this parameter is relative. So, if the patient has only supragingival deposits, then to eliminate them you will need one visit lasting 30-60 minutes. But massive subgingival stones are removed in several stages: in half an hour or an hour it is impossible to detect and remove all formations located deep in periodontal pockets.

It is worth considering the disadvantages of ultrasonic cleaning:

  1. Discomfort. Although advertisements often claim that the procedure is painless, this is not entirely true. At the very least, unpleasant sensations are guaranteed. However, they are quite tolerable if you have healthy gums. But if the mucous membrane is inflamed, ask for anesthesia, otherwise it will hurt.
  2. Relatively high cost. On average, cleaning both jaws costs 4-5 thousand. This amount increases if you have to work in periodontal pockets or prescribe remineralizing and anti-inflammatory therapy.
  3. Contraindications for frequent use. Any intervention, albeit minimal, still damages tooth enamel and gums. Therefore, ultrasonic cleaning should be carried out no more often than every six months, or even better – once a year.

Potential damage is also worth noting. The manipulation itself is harmless. But there are two points:

  1. Old equipment. When choosing a clinic, pay attention to the devices used. Give preference to centers that use piezoelectric scalers: Satelec, EMS, etc. In them, the tip of the nozzle moves strictly linearly along the surface of the teeth and does not damage the enamel. But in old-style scalers (magnetostrictive and sonic), the tips make elliptical and circular movements, and injure tissue.
  2. Doctor's incompetence. Carelessness, haste or lack of experience of the dentist threatens with fatal consequences: destroyed enamel, damage to the gums, rupture of the circular ligaments. Therefore, choose a specialist carefully: ask your friends, read reviews on independent resources, ask for a preliminary consultation with a hygienist and ask him in detail how and with what devices he will carry out ultrasonic cleaning.

Supragingival deposits can be removed in 30-60 minutes

The situation is aggravated if subgingival stone needs to be removed. In such cases, it is better to contact not a hygienist, but a periodontist: he will not only remove mineralized deposits, but also provide the necessary treatment.

Indications and contraindications

It is advisable to clean crowns with ultrasound if you have:

  • pigmented plaque from tea, coffee, cigarettes;
  • supra- or subgingival stone;
  • swelling and bleeding of the gums;
  • halitosis – bad breath;
  • feeling of roughness, foreign formations on the teeth.

Ultrasonic cleaning is recommended for all adults - it is unrealistic to avoid the accumulation of plaque and stone even with a scrupulous attitude towards hygiene. But for certain categories of patients the procedure is mandatory. This:

  • smokers;
  • patients with diagnosed gingivitis, periodontitis or periodontal disease;
  • people undergoing orthodontic treatment: cleaning is performed before installing braces, every 3-4 months during bite correction and every six months during the retention period;
  • examined before implantation and prosthetics.

The procedure is contraindicated for people with dental implants and dentures.

But for people with already installed implants and prostheses, ultrasound cleaning is contraindicated. Ultrasonic waves violate the integrity of structures and can cause their rejection and loss. Such patients are recommended more gentle hygiene procedures: Air Flow, laser cleaning.

Also, scalers cannot be used for:

  • asthma;
  • bronchitis;
  • acute viral and respiratory diseases;
  • respiratory tract pathologies;
  • severe heart disease;
  • inflammation in the oral cavity;
  • malignant formations in the mouth;
  • erosion of tooth and gum tissue;
  • severe form of diabetes mellitus;
  • epilepsy;
  • installed pacemaker.

Frequently asked questions from patients

Is ultrasonic teeth cleaning harmful?

When carried out correctly and without contraindications, ultrasonic cleaning is harmless. On the contrary, it is even useful: the procedure normalizes trophism in the tissues, helps cure gum inflammation, and teeth cleansed of tartar and plaque better absorb beneficial elements from paste, water and food.


The final stage is teeth polishing

Another thing is that dentists do not always use scalers correctly. They may violate the technique of performing the procedure or use outdated equipment that damages the enamel. In such cases, complications cannot be avoided.

How often should I do ultrasonic teeth cleaning?

The standard recommendation is to carry out manipulation every 6-12 months. But this period is conditional and can shift up or down. They focus on the rate of formation of plaque and stones. Therefore, there are several nuances:

  • with careful hygiene and the absence of bad habits (smoking, excessive consumption of coffee and black tea), cleaning is carried out less frequently - once every 1-1.5 years;
  • in case of abuse of cigarettes, tea and coffee, and frequent occurrence of caries, ultrasonic cleaning once every six months is mandatory;
  • Patients with braces are recommended to perform manipulation every 3-4 months.

Is it painful to brush your teeth with ultrasound?

In general, the manipulation is painless. But discomfort from ultrasound exposure is inevitable. In addition, unpleasant sensations arise due to the separation of mineralized formations from the enamel and work in the area of ​​sensitive necks of teeth and gums.

Keep in mind that it will hurt if you have:

  • deep subgingival deposits;
  • sore gums;
  • thinned enamel;
  • hyperesthesia.

Before and after cleaning

In such cases, ask for anesthesia - it will make the procedure as comfortable as possible.

Is it used in children?

Ultrasonic teeth cleaning is prohibited in childhood and adolescence until the teeth have completely changed - at least until 15, and better - up to 18 years.

This is due to several points:

  • in a child with milk units, ultrasound can disrupt the growth of molars;
  • enamel in children (in “milk jugs” and permanent units) is more fragile than in adults;
  • the use of scalers during teeth changes negatively affects the growth of units;
  • After a complete change from milk units to primary ones, 2 years must pass - during this time the process of enamel mineralization continues.

If a child still needs teeth cleaning, more gentle methods are used: “Air Flow”, mechanical treatment with special brushes and pastes.

Can ultrasound be used during pregnancy?

Ultrasonic scalers act locally and do not harm the fetus. However, it must be borne in mind that any interventions are undesirable in the 1st and 3rd trimester: at the beginning of pregnancy there is a high risk of miscarriage, and in the latter stages the uterus is sensitive to any influence, and premature birth may occur.


For the first time after cleansing, it is important to adhere to the “white diet”

Therefore, it is advisable to carry out ultrasound cleaning in the 2nd trimester after consultation with a gynecologist. And even better - before pregnancy at the planning stage.

Caring for your teeth after ultrasonic cleaning

For the first 2-3 days after the procedure, dentists recommend following these rules:

  • exclude cold, hot, sour, hard and sticky foods - sensitive to chemical, thermal and mechanical irritants;
  • purchase a new toothbrush - during manipulation, the gums are slightly damaged: they become overly susceptible to infections, and germs and bacteria can easily be transferred from an old brush;
  • use a brush with soft bristles and a toothpaste with low abrasiveness, high fluoride or calcium content for a couple of weeks - this will help reduce sensitivity, strengthen the enamel and prevent its damage;
  • adhere to a “white” diet: after removing deposits, the enamel is more susceptible to staining, so exclude “dark” foods and drinks: fruit drinks, compotes, juices, carrots, beets, cherries, currants, etc.;
  • if cleaning was carried out against the background of gingivitis and periodontitis, you need to apply Metrogyl Denta gel and rinse your mouth with chlorhexidine - this will relieve gum inflammation and speed up healing.

Average price in Moscow – 4,500 rubles

Additionally, follow standard hygiene tips: brush your teeth at least twice a day, rinse your mouth immediately after eating, use floss and antiseptic rinses.

How much does ultrasonic teeth cleaning cost, 8 promotions and discounts in Moscow dentists

Removing plaque and stone with ultrasound is not the cheapest procedure. In the capital's clinics they charge 100-200 rubles for treating one tooth with a scaler, polishing and varnishing. But more often they indicate the full cost for both jaws: the average price in Moscow is 4,500 rubles.

Due to the high cost of the procedure, patients are looking for promotional offers. Below is a list of the best dentists in Moscow that provide discounts on ultrasound cleaning. The promotions are valid at the beginning of winter 2019.

Clinic Full price for comprehensive ultrasonic cleaning of two jaws with polishing and fluoridation Discount price
Network of clinics "Miracle Doctor" RUB 5,500 RUB 3,300
"Good Doctor" RUB 6,840 RUB 5,260
"DentaLine" 7,000 rub. RUB 2,900
DentaTech 3,000 rub. RUR 2,400 (when applying on Sun and Mon)
"Tri Dental" 4,000 rub. RUB 2,600
"Dental-Lux" RUB 2,500 2,000 rub.
"Dentist" 3,000 rub. RUB 2,700 (New Year's discount 10%)
"Leader-Stom" RUB 2,800 950 rub.

Please note that the table shows clinics that provide classic ultrasonic cleaning (with manual polishing). There are few such centers: usually scalers are used in a complex of full professional hygiene, which includes the use of ultrasonic devices, Air Flow and fluoridation.

Cleaning the enamel from plaque and hard deposits, called tartar, is the basis for the prevention of most dental diseases.

In most cases, the usual hygiene procedures using a brush and paste at home are not enough, so it is recommended to carry out professional cleaning from time to time. One method is ultrasonic cleaning.

Despite the undoubted advantages of this technique, it, like many other medical procedures, has a number of contraindications.

For most people, ultrasound exposure to teeth is completely safe and even beneficial., however, some categories of patients should not resort to using ultrasound units with scalers - special tips.

How the procedure is carried out is briefly explained in the following video:

Classification

It should be mentioned that the entire list of contraindications can be divided into two large groups, which are associated with the probable possibility of such cleaning of the surface of the teeth. Among them there are some absolute and relative ones.

The difference is that relative ones are temporary, that is, they relate to processes that can be eliminated or stopped. But the absolute ones completely prohibit this procedure, and then the doctor may suggest the use of other techniques.

Relative

  • Presence of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections.
  • Exacerbations of diabetes mellitus.
  • Inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa.
  • The presence of neoplasms of any etiology in the mouth, for example, a dental cyst.
  • Stomatitis.
  • Erosion and ulcers on the mucous membrane, not associated with the development of stomatitis.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Period of corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy.

Absolute


All problems associated with disturbances in the functioning of the heart can worsen, because ultrasonic vibrations affect the blood. The work of delicate assistant devices - pacemakers and the like - can also completely go wrong.

Severe viral and infectious diseases themselves negatively affect the functioning of the entire body, so the condition may worsen, which is associated with the acceleration of cell metabolism under the influence of ultrasonic vibrations.

At an age when the dentition is not fully formed - this means the mixed and primary dentition - ultrasound can disrupt the process of bone growth and negatively affect metabolism.

Elimination of relative prohibitions on the procedure

First of all, it is worth saying that during pregnancy, the procedure is included in the list only because of the possible increase in the body’s sensitivity to any influences. There is no direct data on the negative impact of ultrasonic cleaning, however You should still refrain from this procedure in the first trimester.

Next come viral diseases. This creates an additional load on the heart, so you should first undergo a course of treatment, and after complete recovery, visit the dentist. ARVI and acute respiratory infections usually, even in complex forms, do not last more than two weeks.

The same can be said about any damage to the mucous membrane in the oral cavity. This includes both mechanical injuries and stomatitis, as well as inflammatory processes occurring in the gums during periodontitis and gingivitis. All these diseases can be treated in a fairly short time.

If we talk about diabetes, the procedure is contraindicated only for those whose sugar level is above 9 units. It makes sense to postpone cleaning with ultrasound only until the condition and sugar level are stabilized to normal.

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  • Irina

    November 20, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    I love doing ultrasonic teeth cleaning! It’s good that I don’t have any contraindications to it, otherwise I don’t know how I would live without it. I love the feeling of cleanliness in my mouth, when all my teeth are smooth, without plaque. I do it regularly, once every six months, everything as it should be. I recommend this procedure to everyone. It is not only aimed at aesthetics, but also prevents caries, because it cleans better than just a paste and brush.

  • December 3, 2015 at 3:56 am

    I do ultrasonic teeth cleaning from time to time when I visit the dentist. After examining the oral cavity, she herself offers me such cleaning, according to indications. I can't say that I'm delighted with the procedure. It is painful in places, but quite tolerable, and it doesn’t take long at all! But after brushing, the gums seem to “breathe.” No toothbrush can give you this feeling of freshness and cleanliness!

  • Irina Semenova

    April 7, 2016 at 11:32 pm

    I recently tried ultrasonic cleaning of my teeth, and was very pleased, the sensations during the procedure were not pleasant, but the way my teeth felt after the procedure cannot be expressed in words, the freshness in my mouth remains throughout the whole day. I’ll be honest, I used to carry a small bottle of mouthwash with me in my purse; I don’t like chewing gum, but three weeks have passed since the procedure and I completely forgot about the mouthwash. I advise you to try it, it’s unlikely that anyone will be dissatisfied, the only thing you need to do is consult with a specialist.

  • Evgeniy

    October 23, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    Ultrasonic teeth cleaning is a vital procedure because... Tartar leads to the formation of caries and other troubles. Personally, this was my first time cleaning before a wedding, for aesthetics! Then I realized the importance of this procedure and use it periodically, especially since I love coffee and smoke, so plaque forms quickly. I feel sorry for people for whom there are restrictions.

  • Lena

    December 27, 2016 at 04:19 pm

    I try to take good care of my teeth, I clean them once a year, I have never had any contraindications to brushing. This year I went to the dentist and it turned out that there were some ulcers, most likely due to a weakened immune system after suffering from an acute respiratory viral infection. All the ulcers healed within two weeks and after that I had a cleaning, so there are no big problems here.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is very important for your health. After all, dental plaque, which forms constantly, promotes the proliferation of bacteria and causes not only dental diseases, but also weakens the immune system. At home, it is impossible to completely remove plaque with a regular toothbrush. There is ultrasonic teeth cleaning for this purpose.

Why do you need ultrasonic teeth cleaning?

With the help of daily hygiene procedures, teeth are cleaned only of soft deposits. But tartar, hard deposits and food debris remain in hard-to-reach places. To remove them, it is best to visit a dentist's office and have your teeth professionally cleaned. The most effective method is now considered to be a procedure performed using ultrasound. The combination of home and professional oral hygiene provides protection against diseases and gives a snow-white smile.

Even if a person eats right and practices regular oral hygiene, plaque will still form on his teeth. A soft, sticky film of food particles and various bacteria covers all surfaces in the mouth. It serves as a breeding ground for the development of pathogenic microorganisms and causes the formation of caries and other diseases.

Gradually, this plaque hardens and turns into tartar. The presence of such a hard coating further provokes the development of bacteria. Because of it, additional gaps are formed between the teeth, where food particles become clogged. Poor nutrition, smoking and bad health only worsen the situation.

Tartar grows and causes the development of inflammatory gum diseases, caries and periodontitis. Because of this, bad breath may appear, tooth enamel darkens, and its sensitivity increases.

Most people are suffering from this scourge now. But it is tartar that is often the cause of the development of gingivitis, periodontitis, caries and gum inflammation. Therefore, ultrasonic teeth cleaning is a great way to take care of oral health and prevent serious diseases of the teeth and gums. It is recommended to remove tartar every six months, then your teeth will always be healthy.

What is the procedure

Tartar removal has been practiced in dentistry for a long time. But previously, mechanical, rather painful cleaning was used for this. Then chemical methods appeared, which often cause allergic reactions and increase the sensitivity of the enamel. Therefore, with the advent of ultrasonic cleaning, the procedure for removing tartar has become available to more people, since it does not cause allergies, pain and does not damage the enamel. The advantages of such cleaning also include the fact that it makes it possible to reach the most inaccessible places, where food debris often accumulates and bacteria multiply.


Ultrasonic cleansing is painless and gentle. Using a special device, tartar, complex plaque and food debris are removed. Moreover, the enamel is not damaged, and the patient does not experience any discomfort. An ultrasonic cleaning device is called a scaller. It emits vibrations with a frequency of up to 20,000 Hz. These waves are completely safe and are not perceived by the human ear.

How does the cleaning procedure work?

Using a special scaller tube, water pressure is applied to the surface of the teeth, which protects the teeth from overheating, and high-frequency sound. Ultrasound also has a destructive effect on hard deposits. The doctor carefully removes tartar and soft plaque without damaging the enamel. Moreover, the procedure does not cause any discomfort.

To make it more effective and safe, the doctor individually selects the frequency of oscillations and the intensity of the water supply. Sometimes a special gel is applied to the teeth, which increases the effectiveness of cleansing. It is very important that the doctor explains his actions during the procedure and at the end gives advice on preventing the formation of tartar and further oral care.

In complex cases, several treatment sessions may be required. Therefore, to improve the quality of teeth cleaning after ultrasound. In this case, a pressure of water with air and sodium carbonate-based powder is directed onto the teeth. This allows you to more effectively clean the most inaccessible places where even ultrasound could not penetrate. In addition to cleaning, this procedure gently and safely whitens and polishes teeth.

After cleaning, the enamel may be sensitive for some time. Therefore, all medical procedures can be carried out only after a few days. It is not recommended to put braces and dentures on your teeth immediately after cleaning.

In what cases should you use this type of cleaning?

The presence of tartar and complex plaque on the teeth is a contraindication for prosthetics. Therefore, before serious treatment, the dentist will definitely recommend undergoing an ultrasonic cleaning procedure. This helps prevent complications and speeds up the treatment of periodontal disease and caries. Cleaning the tooth cavity improves the quality of the filling procedure. Using ultrasonic cleaning, you can rinse periodontal pockets and clean the canals before treatment. This procedure reduces the risk of infection after tooth extraction.


Most patients learned about the effectiveness of ultrasonic cleaning in such cases. But those who care about oral health do it regularly. In many cases, ultrasonic cleaning is carried out in conjunction with other procedures, such as teeth whitening and polishing, fluoridation and protective film coating. Often after this, the dentist prescribes special treatment to relieve gum inflammation.

When else should you use professional teeth cleaning services?

  • if you have bad breath;
  • gums bleed and become inflamed;
  • tooth enamel has become sensitive;
  • caries and periodontitis develop.

Pros and cons of the procedure, possible contraindications

Despite many positive reviews about the procedure, not all people can undergo ultrasonic teeth cleaning. It is contraindicated in the following cases:

  • if the patient has serious diseases of the cardiovascular system, asthma or chronic bronchitis;
  • in the presence of cancer;
  • for tuberculosis, AIDS or hepatitis;
  • for epilepsy and diabetes;
  • in case of acute respiratory diseases or inability to breathe through the nose;
  • for those patients who have implants or orthopedic devices;
  • for those whose enamel is too sensitive;
  • children before the change of milk teeth.
  • It is not recommended to carry out ultrasonic cleaning in the first half of pregnancy.


But despite this, this procedure has many advantages over mechanical and chemical teeth cleaning:

  • it is more effective and removes plaque of any hardness even from hard-to-reach places;
  • eliminates darkening of enamel due to smoking, food dyes or drinking coffee;
  • eliminates allergic reactions and negative effects of chemicals on the body;
  • does not damage the enamel and does not increase its sensitivity;
  • ultrasound also removes bacteria, maintaining normal microflora in the oral cavity;
  • slightly whitens and polishes teeth, restoring their natural color and shine;
  • Serves as a prevention of caries and periodontitis.

But not everything is so rosy. There are also negative reviews from patients. They note that the procedure caused them pain. Indeed, this is possible if subgingival deposits are removed. But to prevent unpleasant sensations in this case, you just need to carry out cleaning under local anesthesia.


Frequently Asked Questions

This procedure is still new, people don't know much about it, so they have a lot of questions. Even those who have tried to have their teeth professionally cleaned once are afraid that they have caused harm to the enamel. What are patients most often interested in?

  1. Many people do not have professional cleanings because they believe that they are harmful to their teeth. But ultrasound does not have any mechanical effect on the enamel and does not damage it. Therefore, such cleaning is the simplest and safest.
  2. Patients are wondering whether the procedure will be too expensive? The price of ultrasonic cleaning depends on the quantity and quality of plaque, on how many teeth are affected by caries. Typically, this service is provided only by private clinics, but even in them it is not very expensive. The cost of professional cleaning of one tooth ranges from 100 to 150 rubles. For the complete procedure, the patient will pay from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles. But for this money you can then enjoy a snow-white smile for a long time.
  3. Some people are interested in the duration of the procedure. Complete ultrasonic cleaning takes about an hour. Additionally, you can polish with an Air Flow device or grind with special brushes. Special pastes or varnishes are applied to the teeth to reduce the sensitivity of the enamel and protect it from plaque formation.
  4. Many people are afraid of pain during the procedure, especially if they have sensitive enamel. In fact, most patients do not feel the effects of ultrasound at all. And only in some cases, when treating subgingival deposits or removing particularly large tartar, unpleasant sensations are possible.
  5. Is it possible to do ultrasonic teeth cleaning during pregnancy? This question is asked by many women. In fact, ultrasound does not harm the baby or the mother’s body. But due to a woman’s decreased immunity, bleeding gums or other complications may occur after the procedure. Therefore, it is better to resolve this issue with your doctor individually. It is not recommended to carry out the procedure in the first trimester, shortly before childbirth and in cases where the woman has never had ultrasonic cleaning before.
  6. Many patients who liked the procedure and how beautiful their teeth became after it are interested in how often ultrasonic cleaning can be done? Depending on the rate of plaque and tartar formation, dentists recommend doing this once every 1-2 years. But sometimes cleaning is required every six months.

In many cases, the effectiveness of the procedure depends on the professionalism of the doctor. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right clinic for oral care. And you need to pay attention not to prices, but to the qualifications of the staff. Many patients have learned from their own experience that it is cheaper to pay for preventive procedures than to later treat caries and periodontitis. And if ultrasonic cleaning is performed correctly, plaque will not form for a long time, and the patient will enjoy a snow-white smile and healthy teeth.

The main method of preventing dental diseases is professional teeth cleaning. It involves removing bacterial plaque and hard plaque from teeth.

In most dentistry, ultrasonic equipment is used for this, which will allow you to clean crowns in a minimum period of time without damaging the enamel.

Definition

Teeth cleaning with ultrasound is carried out using a special device that generates ultrasonic waves with a high vibration frequency. This equipment does not injure the enamel due to the ability to regulate the frequency from 20 to 50 kHz.

Oscillatory motion of the wave help loosen plaque soft and hard type, which is then easily washed off with water.

Photos of the procedure results

Target

Most in-office crown cleaning methods are aimed only at removing soft deposits. Only a few of them are able to cope with tartar, but there is still a high probability of damage to the enamel.

Ultrasonic cleaning does not damage the surface of crowns and is aimed at solving several problems at once:

  • removal of solid deposits, such as on visible parts of the crown and in the area periodontal pockets below the gum line;
  • removing soft plaque;
  • removal of the pigmented layer, which leads to lightening of the crowns.

Thanks to high-quality removal of deposits, the risk of developing periodontal diseases and dental caries is minimized.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Compared to other methods of cleaning the teeth, ultrasonic cleaning has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantages include the following:

  1. Safety for enamel. The ultrasonic cleaning system is designed in such a way that it does not directly affect the surface of the teeth. This significantly reduces the likelihood of damage.
  2. Quality of cleansing. Ultrasound is capable of breaking down hard deposits even under the gum, which is beyond the capabilities of most other methods.
  3. Simultaneously with the cleansing of plaque, mild teeth whitening, to your natural tone.
  4. This procedure allows immediately assess the condition of the tissues that were covered with hard deposits, and notice their pathological change.
  5. This procedure takes a short period of time and does not require special training.
  6. Cleansing is carried out painless. In case of a large amount of deposits in the gum line area, topical or local anesthesia can be used, with a minimal dosage of anesthetics.
  7. This technique can be combined with other methods of professional cleaning of crowns.
  8. The procedure has reasonable cost.

The disadvantages of this system include:

  • often when cleansing it is necessary to resort k, which is carried out using a special nozzle. In some cases, this leads to slight gum bleeding, swelling and redness;
  • the quality of work and integrity of the enamel will be directly depend on the professionalism of the dentist, since the cleansing procedure involves direct exposure of the tip of the ultrasonic device to deposits;
  • the precision of the impact will be depend on the type of device. If outdated models are used, where ultrasound is delivered elliptically, then the likelihood of injury to periodontal tissue and crowns increases.

Conditions of appointment

Indications for professional teeth cleaning using ultrasonic equipment are:

  • frequent relapses of inflammation periodontal tissue;
  • a large amount of dental plaque, both soft and hard type;
  • poor hygiene quality oral cavity;
  • prevention of dental diseases.

When the procedure is prohibited

This method can only be used if the patient does not have the following contraindications:

  1. Availability of a device for artificially maintaining heart rhythm or other implanted stimulating devices. Unfortunately, the impact of ultrasound waves is not limited to the oral cavity.

    Vibration can be transmitted throughout the body and lead to malfunction of the stimulating device or its breakdown.

  2. Pathologically high enamel sensitivity. The impact of waves is aimed not only at surface cleansing, but also at removing pigments and bacteria from enamel micropores, which can cause the situation to worsen.
  3. Pregnancy. Studies have shown that an ultrasonic wave, even of low frequency and power, can cause changes in the metabolic processes of a woman’s body, which directly affects the development of the fetus.

    The body perceives this effect especially acutely in first trimester pregnancy. In other months, this procedure is allowed if there are no general pathologies.

  4. Period of mixed dentition. At this time, such cleansing is not recommended because children's tooth enamel is too thin.

    The service can only be used 2 years after the eruption of the last tooth. It is during this time that the enamel will reach the required density and thickness.

  5. Heart diseases. Exposure to ultrasonic waves may cause short-term rhythm disturbances.
  6. Chronic bronchitis or bronchial asthma. The device is able to influence the functioning of blood vessels, leading to their narrowing and spasm. In the presence of these diseases, this can lead to an attack of suffocation.
  7. Respiratory infections. Since cleaning causes injury to dental and periodontal tissues, infection can settle in the wounds and cause inflammation.

Operating principle

For removal, a special ergonomically designed device is used. Built into its body ultrasonic generator, delivering waves of adjustable frequency to the tip. For ease of operation and quality of cleaning, the nozzles of the cleaning handle of the device can be changed.

The procedure provides a classic set of tips designed for:

  • cleansing visible part of the crown from soft deposits;
  • dental treatment before prosthetics;
  • removal of deposits in the area of ​​periodontal pockets;
  • surface polishing;
  • removal of tartar.

In addition to a wide selection of attachments, different operating modes are used. Cleansing can be done as dry method, so with use of liquids. This makes it possible to use not only ordinary water, but also various aseptic and anti-inflammatory agents.

Effective removal of deposits occurs due to a double action:

  1. The wave is fed with pulse frequency, due to which the tip has an oscillatory effect on the deposits and destroys them mechanically.

    In order to avoid damage to dental tissue, it is necessary that the movements of the scaler be linear along the entire surface of the tooth.

  2. Simultaneous application of ultrasound and water leads to cavitation effect– the formation of many microbubbles, which loosen plaque and promote its separation from the enamel.

All scalers are equipped with special lighting, which improves the quality of cleaning.

Methodology

The ultrasonic cleaning procedure begins with an examination, during which the dentist determines the volume of deposits and the quality of oral hygiene. If necessary, the patient is given local anesthesia.

  1. Cleansing visible part of the crowns from soft deposits.
  2. Tartar removal along the gum line.
  3. Curettage of periodontal pockets.
  4. In order to remove deposits located deep in the pores of the enamel, ultrasonic cleansing complemented by the use of the system .
  5. Then proceed to leveling the dental surface using a special micro-abrasive paste and a grinding attachment.
  6. In conclusion, crowns coated with fluoride, to strengthen the enamel.

In this video, a specialist talks about the procedure:

Care

In order for the effect of whiteness and cleanliness of teeth to last as long as possible, it is necessary to adhere to standard rules of oral hygiene:

  1. Don't abuse it coloring and carbohydrate products that lead to the appearance of bacterial deposits and enamel pigmentation.
  2. The basic rule is high-quality cleaning of crowns. To do this, you need to use more than just a regular brush. It is necessary to additionally use floss, brushes and rinses. It is also recommended to use an irrigator regularly.
  3. Don't avoid visiting the dentist regularly, which can promptly notice dental diseases at the initial stage of their development.

Price

The cost of this procedure is quite acceptable and is in the range 1000–3000 rubles. On average, processing one tooth costs 50 or 70 rubles.

But increasingly, dentists offer a professional cleaning procedure, where ultrasonic treatment is only part of it. As a rule, it is complemented by treatment with the Air Flow system and fluoridation of the crowns. Such a complex can cost 4500 rubles and higher, depending on the status of the clinic.

Reviews

Nowadays, a large number of clinic patients resort to ultrasonic cleansing. Their reviews indicate the effectiveness and safety of this procedure. Only a few report slight discomfort that goes away on its own within a few days.

2 Comments

  • Natalie

    October 21, 2016 at 5:48 pm

    It took me a long time to decide on this procedure, but the tartar was simply driving me crazy! Well, I decided, it was scary. When I came to the doctor I calmed down, the procedure itself lasted 30 minutes, to be honest, it was tolerable, but it depends on what your pain threshold is. The result, of course, is visible immediately, but for the first couple of days I had to follow the doctor’s instructions to consolidate the result. In my case, I gave up strong coffee and tea. But I have the most beautiful smile and no STONE!

  • Zhenya

    October 22, 2016 at 4:12 am

    Ultrasonic cleaning is now the most common and popular, I did it myself. I had the tartar removed and the surface of my teeth polished. For me, the cleansing procedure was painless and I was pleased with the results. I was only afraid that my gums would get hurt and they would bleed, but that didn’t happen, the main thing in this matter is to find a professional dentist.

  • Lina

    October 23, 2016 at 4:04 am

    A very good procedure with visible results. My brother conducts it at intervals of one year. But what I want to point out is that choosing a good dentist is really important. Before you go for ultrasonic cleaning, try to ask as much as possible about patients who have already visited this or that doctor. Check with them how satisfied they are with his work. If the dentist does not have professional skills in this matter, he can ruin your tooth enamel, and this is fraught with sad consequences. There were such cases.

  • Marina

    February 28, 2017 at 9:30 pm

    After removing the braces, the orthodontist sends me for ultrasonic cleaning at every examination, but I still haven’t decided. When complaining about tooth sensitivity, he says, “It’s okay, you can use anesthesia.” And the article says that high enamel sensitivity is a contraindication. I don't even know who to listen to. And I found out about chronic bronchitis just in time, I’ll probably abstain after all.

  • Natalia

    August 5, 2017 at 10:49 am

    The dentist damaged my enamel, I got an ugly gap between my front teeth, like a crooked hole between the teeth - she claims that she just removed deposits from the back of the teeth, but in the end this happened, she says that ultrasound only removes pathological formations, and it is not her fault, In the end, I will have to carry out corrections - put fillings to level the gap. and in another tooth - a fang - the enamel was also severely damaged on the reverse side, I also sandblasted the surface of the filling - as a result, half of the filling was demolished, the recess in the fissures deepened greatly, the gap between the filling and the tooth became visible. She claims that it’s not her fault - it happened that way and everything is fine (