Why comparing Air Flow and ultrasound is like comparing a broom and a vacuum cleaner
Any article on the Internet that poses the question “which is better - Air Flow or ultrasound” is wrong in advance. These are two different procedures with different tasks:
Ultrasound removes hard deposits — tartar that has accumulated above and below the gum. This is a mineralized plaque that has turned into stone. No brush or any Air Flow will remove it - only mechanical destruction by vibration. to the enamel, but not turned into stone. Air Flow dissolves and blows them away with a jet of powder with water and air.
If you have tartar, Air Flow will not remove it. If you have dark pigmented plaque without stone, ultrasound will not cope with it. Most patients have both, so the complete hygiene procedure includes both stages.
Metaphor. to remember: ultrasound - a broom that sweeps away large debris; Air Flow - a vacuum cleaner that removes small dust and stains. After a good cleaning, both tools are used.
How ultrasonic cleaning works
An ultrasonic scaler is a thin metal tip that vibrates at a frequency of 25–50 kHz (25,000–50,000 vibrations per second). The tip is applied to the tartar, the vibration destroys its structure. At the same time, a stream of water is supplied for cooling tooth and washing away the destroyed stone.
Modern scalers (EMS Piezon, Mectron) work delicately - the tip glides, does not press, the enamel does not suffer. Removes: supragingival calculus, subgingival calculus (in periodontal pockets), hard deposits on the roots DOES NOT remove: pigment spots from tea/coffee/tobacco (this requires Air Flow), mild bacterial. plaque.
Is the procedure painful? More often than not - most patients describe it as “a slight tingling + cold shower”. With increased sensitivity - reduced power and application anesthesia (gel) For deep subgingival stone - injection anesthesia.
Is it safe for? enamel. Yes, with the correct technique. On fillings and ceramic restorations they work at reduced power or with special attachments - the standard mode can leave scratches on the composite.