Annals and Essences of Dentistry
Open Access

Abstract

ULTRASONIC SCALING: UNFORE SEEN RISKS

Deepthi Palachur, Gubernath U

Background and overview:Scaling and root planing is one the basic clinical procedures performed as a part of the preventive periodontics routinely. This nonsurgical procedure can be performed using hand instruments or ultrasonic instruments. Since a very long time ultrasonic scaling was assumed to have no adverse effects but of late reports have contradicted this assumption. Clinical implications: Exposure to any hazards from ultrasonic scaling is most significant to the patient, clinician and clinical aides. As they are often repeated procedures for the patient and occur for prolonged durations on the dental team careful attention has to be paid to counteract them. The effects may be thermal , pulpal, auditory, tooth substance loss and even aerosol contamination. Conclusion:Though there is a dearth of documented damage from ultrasonic scaling the matter needs probing in. Any patient who sits on a dental chair is normally assured of absolute safety which has to be ensured at any cost.