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Published on: September 5, 2020
Three-dimensional analyses of ultrasonic scaler oscillations
Simon C Lea1, Bernhard Felver, Gabriel Landini
1School of Dentistry, The University of Birmingham, St. Chad's Queensway, Birmingham, UK. s.lea@bham.ac.uk
Background:
It is stated that the oscillation patterns of dental ultrasonic scalers are dependent upon whether the instrument is of a magnetostrictive or piezoelectric design. These patterns are then linked to differences in root surface debridement in vitro.
Material And Methods:
Piezoelectric (A, P) and magnetostrictive (Slimline, TFI-3) ultrasonic scalers (three of each) were evaluated, loaded (100 g/200 g) and unloaded with a 3D laser vibrometer. Loads were applied to the probe tips via teeth mounted in a load-measuring device.
Results:
Elliptical motion was demonstrated for all probes under loaded and unloaded conditions. Loading flattened the elliptical motion along the length of the probe. Unloaded, Slimline tip 1 was significantly different to tips 2 and 3 (p<0.0001). There were no differences between the A-tips (p>0.207). All TFI-3 tips were different to each other (p<0.0001). P-tips 1 and 2 were different to each other (p=0.046). Loaded, Slimline tips were different to each other (p<0.001). There were no differences between the P probes (p>0.867). Generator power increased all Slimline and P tip vibrations (p<0.0001).
Conclusions:
Probe oscillation patterns are independent of ultrasound production mechanism and are dependent upon probe shape and generator power. Loaded probes oscillated with an elliptical pattern.
