i. Ultrasonic Dental Unit (ULTRASONIC PROPHYLAXIS UNIT, DENTAL).
The ultrasonic unit with insert tips (see figure 4-10) is used to remove supragingival and
subginginval calculus, stains, amalgam overhangs, and soft tissue pocket wall
(curettage). Operating at 25,000 cycles per second, energy is transferred to the calculus,
stain, amalgam overhang, or tissue, causing separation from the tooth surface. Operator
fatigue is greatly reduced and productivity is increased with the use of an ultrasonic unit.
A high-speed evacuator is necessary to keep the bacteria-containing aerosol mist from
the air in the operatory. Hand scaling, however, is still the preferred method for root
planing. There are two types of ultrasonic units. One type of unit has its own water
supply and instrument box. A second type of unit resembles a handpiece and operates
using the high-speed handpiece hose.
Figure 4-10. Ultrasonic dental unit.
4-3.
INSTRUMENT SETUPS AND SURGICAL PROCEDURES
a. General. Most of the procedures performed in periodontal surgery have a
setup similar to restorative dentistry. In addition, depending on the training of the dental
specialist and the techniques and treatment procedures of the dental officer, the dental
specialist may perform as a special surgical assistant, dental hygienist, or oral health
manager. The treatment in periodontics varies somewhat from restorative dentistry in
that there is more emphasis on oral medicine, surgical therapy, prevention, and long-term
maintenance care. See figure 4-11 for the basic periodontal instrument setup.
NOTE:
As an example of a periodontal surgical procedure, we will discuss the role of
the dental specialist in a gingivectomy. A gingivectomy is a procedure that is
fairly well-known among the general public. It is discussed in paragraph "c"
below.
MD0503
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