Ultrasonic Scaler
Portland, OR
 They say that the most beautiful thing that a person can wear is his or her smile. A lot of time and consideration is spent refining or accessorizing our personal appearance each day as we prepare to present ourselves before others. We change our clothes, earrings, make-up and other things, but one thing that remains a constant is the appearance of our teeth when we smile. We, here at West End Dental, believe that your oral health affects how others see you as well as how confident you feel about yourself. This is why you should never take your oral health granted.
Your No. 1 Enemy in Achieving Perfect Smile
Bacteria buildup on your teeth could negatively affect your smile. Even in a healthy mouth, there is an abundance of bacteria. These bacteria, if allowed to colonize on our teeth, accumulate as plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance, not always colorless, that forms above and below the gumline and can be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Over time, even for those with good oral hygiene habits, there will be areas where the plaque calcifies and adheres to tooth surfaces. This is known as tartar or calculus, and cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. It can cause cavities and other gum diseases. In some cases, it can even contribute to more serious health conditions, like heart disease.
The Key to that Perfect Smile
The key to a perfect smile is prevention. This starts with proper oral hygiene, which includes brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. It also includes coming to see us for regular exams and checkups (at least twice a year). You also need to monitor your intake or of sugary foods and starchy carbohydrates as well.
If you are following all of these steps, you may still have problems with plaque and tartar. A majority of people experience the same type of problem. That is why we use tools such as an ultrasonic scaler to help re-optimize your oral health. These scalers help to remove the plaque from the enamel and root of the tooth once it has hardened into tartar.
There are two types of periodontal scalers that we can use, one is an ultrasonic scaler, that some liken to a power washer. The other is the traditional hand-held scaler. A hand-held scaler, while effective, is a more time-consuming process and requires more effort on the part of the hygienist who uses it. Also, depending on the extent of the tartar buildup, some patients can experience a low to moderate level of discomfort.
On the other hand, an ultrasonic scaler, like the ultrasonic scalers we use, is a device that removes the plaque and stains off your teeth more effectively. It uses the energy of rapid vibrations to remove the calcified plaque from its root and enamel surfaces. Its small tip can reach deep into your periodontal pockets better than brushes, and other manual dental instruments can do.
Moreover, since it makes use of ultrasonic vibrations, the entire scaling process can be completed not only more quickly, but also more efficiently. As an added benefit, the ultrasonic scaler is also much gentler than a hand-held scaler, and patients experience little to no discomfort when we use them.
If you would like to know about ultrasonic scalers or how we at West End Dental use them, contact our office today at (503) 446-2957 to schedule an appointment. |
