Preventative Care – Springfield IL – Is Manual Cleaning as Effective as Ultrasonic Scaling?

Is Manual Cleaning as Effective as Ultrasonic Scaling?

Most dentists ask you to come to the clinic every six months for a check-up and dental cleaning. Dental cleaning is the preventative procedure that assures gums and teeth stay healthy.

Have you noticed what kind of cleaning instruments your dentist uses? Many dentists involve ultrasonic scalers in removing the calcular deposits and plaque on your teeth. This machine vibrates and emits water during the whole cleaning process. Because ultrasonic cleaning is more efficient and less tiring than hand- activated scaling, many dentists choose this, especially if there are calcular deposits.

Manual or hand activated cleaning pertains to the hand instruments like scalers and curettes. When it comes to fine deposits attached on teeth, manual scaling is superior. A hygienist or dentist can put more energy in manual cleaning. As this option is more strenuous, more dental practitioners prefer ultrasonic scaling.  Often it is the practice that, after the ultrasonic scaling, manual scaling follows.

In the hands of a skilled dental health professional like the staff at Advanced Dental Care, ultrasonic scaling and manual scaling can yield the same results and effectivity.

Because of the vibrating action of the ultrasonic scalers, we can say that the tactile sensibility, the ability to feel if there are still any remaining deposits attached to the tooth, of the dentist or hygienist is hindered. Thus, to ensure that no remaining dirt is left, hand-activated scaling is still suggested after ultrasonic scaling.

It is, again, a matter of inclination whether patients would want ultrasonic or hand- activated scaling. Patients consider the time spent during the cleaning procedure and the sensitivity that could be possibly felt.

May it be ultrasonic or hand-activated cleaning; you will notice the improvement on your gums and teeth afterwards. However, you will still need to maintain the professionally cleaned area with regular tooth brushing and flossing.

Dr. VanderMolen and the staff at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield care about keeping your teeth healthy and beautiful. For more information on preventative care or any of our other services, contact our office at 217-546-3333.