cavitron

Question 1

ultrasonic scalers utilize what tech?

Answer 1

utilize rapidly vibrating, water-cooled tips to remove
deposits from tooth surfaces and to debride periodontal pockets

Question 2

ultrasonic scalers and fatique

Answer 2

Produces less operator wrist fatigue than hand scaling

Question 3

how does ultrasonic scaling benefit the gingiva?

Answer 3

Benefits the gingiva by removing biofilm & calculus deposits

Question 4

can ultrasonic scaling be the only scaling used?

Answer 4

no must use with hand instruments

Question 5

ultrasonic scalers
* frequency compared to sonic?
* Utilizes?
*mechanism?

Answer 5

• Higher frequency than sonic scalers (20-50 kHz)
• Utilizes water lavage that deplaques/washes away debris from within the periodontal pocket
• Cavitation occurs causing bubbles to form and collapse which disrupts the cell walls of harmful bacteria resulting in lysis (cell death)

Question 6

Piezoelectric
* Stroke direction?
effective sides?
* The most effective portion?
* Requires how much water?
* Can be used on patients with?

Answer 6

Piezoelectric
* Strokes occur in a LINEAR pattern via crystals activated by
ceramic handpiece
* Only the LATERAL sides are effective in the removal of
plaque and calculus
* The most effective portion of the tip is the last 2.4mm
* Requires LESS water to control heat
* Can be used on patients with multiple health issues (i.e.,
Asthma, COPD, pacemakers, etc.)

Question 7

how is piezo reactivated

Answer 7

• Piezo is reactivated by dimensional changes in crystals
  housed within the hand-piece as electricity passes over the
  surface of the crystals- results in vibration that produces tip
  movement in a linear direction

Question 8

Magnetostrictive
* AKA?
* freq compared to piezo?
* Stroke pattern?
* Always requires?
* aspects of the tip activated/ effective for biofilm/calculus removal?
* important note of tip

Answer 8

Magnetostrictive
* AKA “Cavitron”
* Operates at a lower frequency than piezo
* Strokes occur in an elliptical pattern via stacks of metal sheets
* Always requires water lavage due to the production of heat
* ALL aspects of the tip are activated and effective for biofilm/calculus removal
* NOTE: do NOT use the direct tip for calculus removal

Question 9

Magnetostrictive-
contraindications

Answer 9

• According to the American Dental Association, studies have shown some electronic dental devices may interfere
  with implanted cardiac devices
• Newer cardiac devices are better shielded and less susceptible to interference (<10 years old)
• It is IMPORTANT that you discuss your patient’s cardiac health hx prior to using a
  cavitron- if the pacemaker is older, it is likely that it is NOT shielded

Question 10

How does a
cavitron work?

Answer 10

• Using flat metal strips in a stack or a metal rod
  attached to a scaling tip, electrical currents are
  supplied to a wire coil in the hand-piece; a magnetic
  field is created around the stack or rod transducer
  causing it to constrict. An alternating current then
  produces an alternating magnetic field that causes the
  tip to vibrate. The tip movement is elliptical

Question 11

tips for the cavitron can be used where

Answer 11

supra and sub g

Question 12

parts of cavitron insert

Answer 12

Question 13

Ultrasonic scalers & Dental Implants

Answer 13

• Softip Cavitron Insert- obtain
  from Dispensary anytime you
  are scaling around an implant
• The blue plastic cover is a
  one-time use cover
  can only be used with 30k machine

Question 14

Power settings for cavitron
* LOW:
* MEDIUM:
HIGH:
what is adjusted with these?

Answer 14

• LOW: biofilm removal and light subgingival deposits
• MEDIUM: general debridement of biofilm and calculus deposits
  *HIGH: removal of heavy, tenacious calculus deposits
• be sure to adjust water setting accordingly

Question 15

How to adapt a cavitron tip
which surfaces used to adapt?
can tip go interprox?
tip movement? direction?

Answer 15

use the lateral surfaces of the tip to adapt to the tooth surface.

The tip can lead into interproximal spaces, but not directly contacting the tooth surface.

Also, ensure the tip is always moving, beginning at the coronal surface toward the apical surfaces.

Question 16

Cavitron techniques
* grasp?
* Strokes need to be?
* The tip must contact?

Answer 16

• Use a light grasp and light pressure (heavy pressure will cause more damage and will
  decrease effectiveness of calculus removal)
• Strokes need to be overlapping and, in many
  directions (oblique, horizontal, vertical)
• The tip must contact all aspects of the root surfaces to thoroughly disrupt biofilm
  accumulation

Question 17

Dental restorations and ultrasonic scaling

Answer 17

Be cautious around composite and porcelain restorations as damage can occur

Crowns can accumulate calculus both supra and subgingivally, it is best to
use a lower setting to remove these deposits when using ultrasonic scalers