Dental scaler suppliers use words like sonic, sound, ultra, cycles, and frequency when describing the professional dental scaler. The goal of any dental scaler is ultimately the gross removal of calculus, plaque, and other surface materials as quickly as possible with minimal patient discomfort, or harm.
Sonic Dental Scaler - 3000 to 9000 Cycles Per Second
The sonic dental scaler is typically an air driven handpiece operating on a designed harmonic frequency somewhere between 3000 and 9000 cps.
Advantages:
- light
- easy on the wrist
- only requires light touch
- integral water spray keeps tip cool
- relatively inexpensive to purchase and operate
Kavo, NSK, and Star Dental all manufacture a very competitive sonic dental scaler. The Star Titan Sonic Scaler has been an industry leader in sonic dental scaler technology.
Ultrasonic Dental Scaler - 18000 to 50000 Cycles Per Second
De
ntsply Cavitron takes the industry lead in Ultrasonic Dental Scaler technology. The much higher frequencies (18000 - 45000 cps) require these units to be powered by electricity. Two technologies currently lead the way - Magnetostrictive, and Piezo Electric. Cavitron units are primarily magnetostrictive, while the euro companies tend to lean toward Piezo Electric. Most ultrasonic scaler suppliers carry both. See our other article Ultrasonic Scalers - Magnetostrictive Vs. Piezo Electric for more on this comparison.
Advantages:
- removable autoclaveable tips
- portable
- ultra fast cleaning
- therapeutic
Dental Scaler - Which Is Best?
Whether using a sonic dental scaler, ultrasonic dental scaler, or hand instrument, efficiency is very highly dependent on the skill of the operator. All will certainly do a sufficient job, given the necessary time required. Of course, where time is at a premium in the modern practice, ultrasonic dental scaler technology wins out. Time spend on each tooth and hand stress are significantly reduced using the ultrasonic dental scaler.
Both sonic, and ultrasonic dental scalers have been found to have a slight therapeutic effect on the gums, which is a plus. The periodontal therapy apparently takes place due to the continuous flushing of gums during operation. In addition, the cavitation and microstreaming improve plaque removal in areas just beyond the reach of instrument tip.