Ultrasonic Insights - Thirteenth Edition

Ultrasonic Insert Options Moderate to Heavy Deposits
 

One Insert Cannot Do It All! Clinicians know one scaler cannot do it all. Scalers designed for heavy, anterior supragingival debris will be very different in dimension than those designed for light, posterior interproximal deposits. In a similar way, robust ultrasonic inserts designed for moderate to heavy deposits vary greatly in purpose from slimmer inserts—and can make deposit removal more efficient when added to procedural set-ups.

Power Scaling: Moderate to Heavy Deposits

The Science—made simple
A physics principle considered when designing ultrasonic inserts is mass * acceleration = force. In power scaling terms this means that a larger diameter insert tip (mass), set at a higher power setting (acceleration) will produce greater force than a thinner insert. Thus, robust insert tips are more effective on moderate to heavy calculus not simply because they are larger, but because when activated the force applied to the calculus exceeds the force produced with a thinner insert.

The Clinical Significance
Larger diameter insert tips are more efficient than thinner tips at fracturing heavy calculus—the larger insert engages the deposit with greater force thus allowing swifter and more effective calculus removal. In other words, robust inserts have specific design features that allow them to effectively and efficiently handle heavy, tenacious deposits.
 

Which inserts are designed for removal of moderate to heavy calculus?

These inserts are a beneficial addition to procedural set-ups when the clinical objective is to reduce a substantial accretion to a standard/light deposit which can then be further removed using thinner inserts/instruments.

#1000 Triple Bend - Beveled edges on tip concentrate energy on corners and enhance stain and calculus removal. Triple bend shank allows increased access around line angles and interproximally 

#10 Insert - A top selling insert, round in cross-section with a straight shank the #10 insert is a great all-purpose insert for supragingival moderate to heavy debris. Can be used subgingival as tissue allows. 

Beavertail - Ideal for anterior lingual surfaces, tenacious stain, orthodontic cement and heavy supragingival deposits.

While these inserts for moderate to heavy debris can be used on power settings from low to high, it is recommended that the lowest effective power setting be used. And…just like hand scalers, ultrasonic inserts wear with use. Worn insert tips can significantly diminish scaling efficiency. Call 1-800-Hu-Friedy to request the Insert Wear Guide.

Interested in other posts? Check them out here!