Ultrasound removal of tartar in humans, contraindications for ultrasonic removal

What is tartar and what are the causes of its appearance?

Tartar is hardened plaque that forms on the visible part of the tooth (crown) and under the gum.

The reasons for its appearance are natural, but the consequences can cause pathologies in the oral cavity.

Initially, food particles stick to the enamel. Bacteria begin to actively multiply in them. A dental plaque is formed, which looks like a soft, light plaque. Plaque can be easily removed by regular tooth brushing. But if this does not happen, then food debris, dead cells of the mucous membrane, calcium and phosphorus salts from saliva are layered on the soft plaque. They crystallize and harden.

Mineralization occurs on average within 12 days. Soft plaque turns into hard plaque. Tartar has a rough surface, onto which more and more elements “cling.”

Attention: A bacterial film on teeth forms within 16 hours. Therefore, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day.

Photo of plaque, male jaw

Why hard deposits form

Plaque formation is inevitable, but there are a number of factors that accelerate the process:

Irregular hygiene. Particularly active formation of plaque and stone occurs at night: salivation decreases, a person swallows less often, and does not move the tongue. This creates a favorable environment for bacterial growth.
Poor hygiene. Brushing teeth with horizontal movements does not affect hard-to-reach areas. The interdental spaces should be cleaned by moving the brush vertically.
Diet. A large amount of sweet and starchy foods leads to the sticking of carbohydrates to the enamel and the proliferation of pathogenic microflora. To reduce the rate of plaque formation, you should eat fresh, firm vegetables and fruits. Chewing the fibrous pulp for a long time partially helps remove plaque.
Physiological features. Incorrect bite and crowded teeth make proper cleaning difficult.
Metabolic disorders. The composition of saliva changes, its bactericidal properties decrease.
Smoking. Cigarette tar settles on the teeth, causing the formation of films and plaques.

Why is tartar dangerous?

Hard dental plaque is a conglomerate of complex composition, formed from microscopic food debris and iron and phosphorus compounds contained in saliva. In fact, the stone grows into the periodontium, and it is not possible to remove it on your own. First, a thick plaque forms on the teeth, which gradually hardens and turns into stone.

Dental plaque promotes the proliferation of pathogenic flora, resulting in caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. A favorable environment causes rapid growth of pathogenic bacteria and further damage to the periodontium.

The main signs of the appearance of tartar include:

noticeable stripes, dots, spots of brown (in shades) color on the enamel;
unpleasant, “heavy” odor from the mouth;
internal sensation of enamel roughness.

The smile takes on an unaesthetic appearance, and the smell forces the interlocutor to stay away.

It is especially important to monitor the condition of teeth and promptly remove tartar for those who smoke and drink strong tea and coffee. In this case, nicotine and tannins enter into the process of stone formation - deposits form much faster and acquire a characteristic dark brown color.

Important. The end result of an irresponsible attitude towards tartar is tooth loss.

Why is ultrasonic cleaning necessary?

Professional teeth cleaning in a clinic identifies problem areas and helps avoid future diseases.

Detects caries. The destruction of enamel and dentin can be hidden under a layer of tartar. If caries is discovered later, it should be cured.
Prevents the formation of new caries, including those who wear braces.
Prevents gum inflammation, periodontitis, exposed roots, bleeding, and bad breath.
Prepares the oral cavity for surgery and implant installation. Removing colonies of bacteria living in dental plaque ensures the safety of manipulations that violate the integrity of tissues.
Brightens teeth without aggressive chemical whitening.

Photos BEFORE and AFTER cleaning

Innovative professional prevention with the AIR FLOW PROMASTER device

Only in our clinic in the Zhulebino area and Lyubertsy! The most modern equipment for professional hygiene Air flow Prophylaxis Master (Switzerland) . A device that includes 3 technologies:

PIEZON NO PAIN (smooth ultrasonic vibrations to reduce pain)
Air-Flow (removal of pigmented plaque in the supragingival area)
Perio-Flow (gentle cleaning and polishing of the subgingival area of the tooth or implant surface).

from biofilm and dental plaque 2 times more effectively

5 times less discomfort from the procedure . Absolutely painless!

The duration of the procedure is 2 times shorter!

No more gum injections or hand instruments. Removal of dental plaque even in periodontal pockets, around implants and orthodontic structures.

To prevent oral diseases, dentists recommend professional oral hygiene every six months. Traditional professional hygiene includes dental treatment with ultrasound and an Air flow device. Additional cleaning is carried out with a hand tool - in simple terms, where tartar cannot be removed under the influence of ultrasound (under the gum in pockets), it is scraped off with a sharp instrument - a curette, after which the tooth is polished with rubber cups with abrasive pastes. But in our dentistry this now happens differently.

Our Aesthetic Dentistry Clinic has introduced an absolutely new product for 2022 – the AIR FLOW PROMASTER professional teeth cleaning system.

The main differences from previous generations of occupational hygiene devices:

A wider spectrum of action - cleaning even in deep periodontal pockets , where previously it was possible to remove tartar and deposits only surgically under anesthesia, cleaning in the area of gum recession, cleaning crowns and implants.
Only this device is guaranteed to remove biofilm from teeth and gums.

Biofilm is a colony of microorganisms on the surface of the oral cavity, held together by cells. Biofilm is a major factor in the development of caries and periodontal infections.

Home cleaning of teeth and gums, and even the use of an irrigator, unfortunately, removes only 50% of all biofilm microbes present.

The AIR FLOW PRO MASTER device guarantees absolute comfort during the Procedure. We tested this ourselves. This was confirmed by our patients.

Never before has professional hygiene been so painless.
In 99% of cases, our patients tolerate the procedure without anesthesia.
The procedure is much faster - on average 2 times.

Innovative technology of professional hygiene from the Denta-Professional Aesthetic Dentistry Clinic comfortably and effectively eliminates:

biofilm,
pigmentation,
supragingival and subgingival dental deposits,

Forget scary-looking sharp curettes for scraping plaque. No more hand tools, rubber cups, brushes or pastes!

The device is effective in working with total prosthetics, restorations, and bracket systems. The biofilm has been completely removed. The surface is cleaned to the depth of pores. No scratches. The enamel prisms remain intact and the surface is absolutely smooth. The tongue no longer feels rough and there is no need to polish with (abrasive) pastes. This preserves the enamel and prevents the development of diseases.

The device consists of three devices:

Air-flow nozzle. The nozzle in this device differs from conventional airflow devices in the ability to use the new generation PLUS powder. Unlike classic powder, which is used in conventional Airflow devices, the particle size of the powder is several times smaller, due to which gentle processing is achieved and the device can be used even on all soft tissues, including gums, mucous membranes, tongue and palate. The previous generation of the device with classic powder would simply damage soft tissues.
The second attachment for minimally invasive scaling is PIEZON® NO PAIN (that is, absolutely painless). Soft ultrasound for removing dental plaque.
PERIO-FLOW nozzle – gentle cleaning and polishing of the subgingival area and implant surface. Prevents the development of re-implantitis after implantation surgeries.

All procedures are carried out with the supply of warm water to the treatment site with the ability to regulate the temperature, which helps to completely relieve pain.

The procedure was highly appreciated by patients with hypersensitive teeth.

AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master is the latest technological innovation from EMS, a unique solution for the prevention of caries, periodontal disease and maintenance treatment. The device has unique ergonomics, high accuracy, easy maintenance and meets the highest hygienic standards.

This is a very expensive device and not every clinic can afford it. We have invested in the comfort and health of our patients.

The cost of innovative professional prevention with the AIR FLOW PROMASTER device is 8,000 rubles. This is the lowest price for such a procedure in Moscow.

Is ultrasonic teeth cleaning harmful?

Ultrasonic cleaning does not pose any threat to teeth and the body as a whole. An exception is situations in which the technology is broken or the patient has contraindications. Ultrasound can damage enamel if it is thinned or has such a structural feature. Sometimes brushing causes bleeding from the gums. The doctor will help stop it and advise what needs to be done for speedy healing.

Advice: to avoid possible troubles, before starting the procedure, the dentist finds out the state of health, concomitant diseases, and reaction to medications. Answer honestly and directly, every nuance matters.

After the procedure

Completely devoid of plaque, teeth after the procedure are vulnerable to staining. Therefore, on the first day after the procedure, you should stop smoking, eating bright foods, spices and drinks: red berries, chocolate, beets, cocoa, coffee, tea, cola, curry, soy sauce, red wine, etc. In addition, you should change your toothbrush immediately after brushing.

To preserve the results of the procedure for as long as possible, you must:

Brush your teeth twice a day using toothpaste recommended by your dentist.
Rinse your mouth after every meal.
Use irrigators and dental floss.

The dentist will determine the date of the next cleaning, depending on the condition of the teeth and the patient’s body.

Pros and cons of ultrasonic tartar removal

Unlike other methods, ultrasonic cleaning has a number of advantages:

Removes subgingival calculus that is difficult to reach with traditional instruments. To clean the root zone, the doctor pulls back the gums and works with the neck and root of the tooth.
Cleans the interdental spaces even of very dense teeth, uneven, overlapping one another.
The procedure does not last long - 40-60 minutes.
Painless. The patient does not feel any impact.
Non-contact influence. Only air and water come into contact with teeth. With the outdated mechanical method, the instruments scratch the enamel and cause an unpleasant “grinding” sensation.

Procedure technology

Depending on the type of cleaning and the equipment used, the procedure technology has certain differences.

Ultrasonic cleaning

To remove hard deposits from teeth, a scaler is used - a special ultrasonic device with attachments.

Ultrasonic dental scaler

The procedure itself lasts from 50 to 60 minutes and consists of the following steps:

applying gel to the surface of the teeth;
treatment of teeth with ultrasonic waves using a nozzle;
washing the oral cavity;
enamel polishing;
applying paste with fluoride.

Ultrasound cleaning cannot be performed if the patient has implants, problems with the cardiac and respiratory system, or infectious diseases. Also, the procedure is contraindicated in case of dental hypersensitivity, even with anesthesia, and in the first half of pregnancy.

If there are implants in the body, ultrasonic teeth cleaning is contraindicated.

Air flow cleaning

Before carrying out the procedure, you must make sure that there are no caries or gum diseases, in which cleaning cannot be carried out using this method.

Technology:

the patient’s oral cavity is treated with an antiseptic solution and a saliva ejector is installed;
the nozzle of the device is brought to the teeth and held at a distance of 3-5 mm from the surface;
carefully process each tooth, moving the nozzle with rotational movements;
clean the oral cavity of exfoliated stone and plaque;
cover the enamel with fluorine-containing varnish.

The nozzle is held at an angle to the tooth surface - this is how a stream of compressed air and water best removes plaque

The duration of such cleaning is on average 30 minutes. Contraindications to the procedure are problems with the respiratory system, primarily bronchial asthma and bronchitis. Also, cleaning is not carried out if the patient has periodontal inflammation or there is damage to the mucous membrane in the mouth.

Main stages of ultrasonic processing

The dentist conducts an examination, identifies places where tartar accumulates, the amount, and determines its density in order to choose the appropriate cleaning regimen. Sometimes teeth are treated with a special solution that reveals the boundaries of plaque. If the patient has sensitive teeth, gums or deep subgingival calculus, anesthesia (injection or application) is performed.

Stone removal is carried out in three stages:

Brushing teeth with a skyler

Skyler is a dental instrument that generates ultrasonic air vibrations. Water (an antiseptic solution) mixed with air is sprayed through a narrow nozzle. The liquid is intended to cool the tooth and wash away the separated plaque.

The ultrasonic wave forms cavities in mineralized deposits, the plaque cracks and peels off from the enamel. The fragments are removed with a saliva ejector.

First, the doctor cleans the crowns, then the subgingival area, guiding the scaler with parallel vertical movements.

Brushing teeth with a skyler

Polishing

Cleaned teeth have a rough surface. To slow down the adhesion of food and bacteria, polishing is used.

Main types:

Mechanical with special paste and a round elastic brush. The interdental spaces are polished with thin strips or narrow spiral-shaped brushes.
Hardware using the AirFlow method - using a powerful jet of water with an abrasive containing sodium bicarbonate.

Brushing your teeth with a special paste and a round brush

Fluoridation

Fluoridation helps strengthen enamel and reduce hyperesthesia (sensitivity) in the cervical area.

The tooth surface is dried with a stream of warm air for better adhesion.
Apply a composition containing fluoride ions (gel or varnish) and dry again.
The teeth are treated with a swab soaked in copper hydroxide and calcium solution. The substances enter into a chemical reaction, and calcium fluoride crystals are formed in the dentinal tubules and other irregularities, which strengthen the tooth tissue and prevent infection.

Contraindications

The most important contraindication is the presence of a pacemaker in the patient. Ultrasonic waves can disrupt its operation.

Other restrictions also apply to health conditions:

asthma, bronchospasm, tuberculosis,
increased risk of bleeding,
allergies to the drugs used,
infectious and viral diseases,
oncology,
mental illness, epilepsy.

Attention: Relative contraindications are pregnancy (first trimester), childhood (up to 16-18 years). The decision to perform the procedure is made by the dentist.

Indications and contraindications

The main indications for using the laser cleaning method are:

strong accumulations of soft sediments, stones;
unpleasant odor that does not disappear after cleaning or using rinses;
inflammatory processes of soft tissues;
soreness, itching of the gums;
tooth pigmentation;
gingivitis, periodontitis;
teeth are loose, there are signs of periodontal disease.

Contraindications:

pregnancy;
lactation;
a large number of fillings, their poor quality;
high sensitivity of enamel;
the presence of wedge-shaped dental defects;
cracks, chips of enamel;
presence of caries;
severe abrasion of enamel, bruxism.

When it might be painful or unpleasant

Ultrasonic cleaning is a modern, effective method with minimal trauma. Most patients tolerate the process without discomfort.

Pain when cleaning with ultrasound

Pain can occur due to individual characteristics or due to erroneous actions of the doctor.

Features include thin, sensitive enamel - a semblance of shocks and pressure is felt. Weakened gums that are prone to bleeding are easily subject to microdamage and painful sensations appear. If there is extensive subgingival calculus, the doctor works in this area for a long time, which can also lead to discomfort.

Is there any discomfort during laser cleaning?

This method does not cause pain. The laser beam destroys pigments and evaporates water in hard and soft deposits. Their remains are washed off from the surface with water. In this case, there is no effect on the enamel. Gum pockets are not treated with laser; therefore, there is no contact with soft tissues.

Features of chemical tartar removal

The method is rarely used, because has few advantages, including speed and affordable price. Chemical removal has more disadvantages: thinning of the enamel, possible burns of the mucous membrane if performed incorrectly, poor cleaning of the interdental space, allergies to the products used, oxidation of orthodontic metal structures.

Sequencing:

installation of protective plates on the gums,
applying acidic and alkaline compounds for 2-3 minutes,
rinsing, polishing, fluoridation.

Chemical removal of tartar

How painful is it to remove stone manually?

This contact method can only be painful if the doctor's hand accidentally slips and the instrument scratches the gum. Also, the disadvantages include incomplete removal of plaque and stone in hard-to-reach places. Mechanical cleaning is contraindicated for thin, sensitive enamel, inflammation of the gums, and infectious lesions of the mucous membrane.

Nowadays, dentists recommend removing tartar manually less and less often.

Types and differences of professional teeth cleaning

There are various ways to clean your mouth professionally. Each option has advantages and disadvantages. The choice of technique is made by the dentist.

Ultrasonic

It is performed using a special device - an ultrasonic scaler. The working element of the device is equipped with a nozzle that performs oscillatory movements at an ultrasound frequency of 25-50 kHz. The effect is enhanced by supplying an antiseptic solution or water through the nozzle. Deposits are removed under the influence of cavitation.

This method does not damage the enamel. When treating the oral cavity with an antiseptic, pathogenic bacteria are destroyed. The effectiveness is so high that it is possible to cope even with supra- and subgingival stones. The patient does not feel pain after brushing his teeth.

Laser

Removal of mineral deposits and plaque from the surfaces of the oral cavity is carried out under the influence of a laser beam. The liquid evaporates from them, as a result of which the destruction process begins. Peeled particles are removed with a stream of water supplied under high pressure.

The cost of the service is higher than alternative methods, due to the use of expensive equipment.

Sandblasting

Cleaning is performed using Air Flow equipment. The device even copes with old deposits. The main condition is that the coating must be soft. Air Flow does not remove tartar. The process of sanitation of the mouth involves the use of a special attachment, a mixture containing a fine abrasive, and a fixing gel. This method is used with caution in cases of increased sensitivity of the gums.

Chemical

The essence of the procedure is to apply a special gel containing hydrogen and acid to the teeth. During aging of the product, hard and soft deposits are destroyed under the influence of chemicals.

The method is painless and effective. But the interdental areas are poorly treated.

Mechanical

Sanitation is carried out using brushes and highly active pastes. This method requires more time than alternative options. But the result is high. However, in the process of mechanical impact with brushes, the risk of damage to the enamel increases. For this reason, specialists rarely resort to such cleaning.