(2) Air circulation. The unit should be placed where a normal amount of air
circulates freely on all sides of the cabinet. It should not be in a tightly confined space
or corner.
(3) Careful handling. The unit should be handled carefully when carried
from one place to another.
(4) Warning. The unit must not be used on patients with cardiac
pacemakers. The high frequency level may interfere with the rhythm of the pacemaker.
3-7.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
a. Dental Unit Sonic Scaler. The dental unit sonic scaler fits all standard
2-line, 3-line, and 4-line couplers. The sonic scaler is handled like a slow-speed
handpiece. It is more convenient because no water lines or other unit is needed. The
sonic scaler is gradually replacing the ultrasonic units and will be incorporated into the
dental field equipment.
b. Air Polishing Prophylaxis Unit (Prophy Jet). This instrument may be used
to remove stains. Because of the sensitivity of teeth and gingiva to air pressure, this
instrument should only be used by a preventive dentistry specialist who is trained in its
usage.
Section II. PROPHYLAXIS PROCEDURE
3-8.
GRASPING AND USING SCALING INSTRUMENTS
a. Control of Instrument. In the hands of an inexperienced preventive
dentistry specialist, a scaling instrument can be very harmful to hard and soft tissues as
knowledge of dental anatomy and of the nature and relationship of gingival attachment
to the tooth. It also requires complete control of the instrument during the placement
and scaling stroke. In placing and withdrawing the instrument, the PDS must keep the
scaling edge in contact with the hard structures. The contact of the instrument to a
tooth should be firm, but not so firm that it gouges or damages tooth structure or
restorations. The scaling stroke should be directed away from soft tissue wherever
possible and not permitted to slip or veer. The range of movement of the blade of the
instrument during the scaling stroke should be limited to that required for removing
deposits. This means that the PDS must have positive control of the instrument all the
time. This control is possible only if the instrument is held properly and the PDS's
fingers are firmly anchored and supported against the patient's jaws or teeth.
MD0513
3-8