Ultrasonics in periodontics

Abstract The vibrating tips of ultrasonic instruments have been shown to remove deposits mechanically. Calculus removal is equally effective with ultrasonic or hand instruments, whereas stain removal has been shown to be better with the former. It has been observed that ultrasonic instruments remove heavy supragingival calculus faster than hand instruments. According to the evidence available most patients and operators prefer ultrasonic scaling to hand scaling. The effect of in vivo ultrasonic scaling on root surface has not been established. Various factors possibly influencing the occurrence of tooth surface roughness subsequent to ultrasonic scaling have been pointed out. No harmful effects have been found in the adjacent periodontal structures following ultrasonic instrumentation. However, it has been suggested that the cavitation spray accompanying ultrasonic instrumentation may carry pathogenic organisms. The advantages and the disadvantages of ultrasonic instruments have been evaluated.