Periodic dental check-ups facilitate constant monitoring and assessment of the patient's oral health and overall health. One of the things that may be done by a general dentist during routine check-ups is professional teeth cleaning. This type of dental cleaning is usually performed to complement the patient's at-home efforts to keep their mouth clean and healthy through daily brushing and flossing routines. 

As new dental technologies continue to emerge, many progressive dental hygienists are constantly adopting new techniques of making dental cleanings safer and more comfortable than ever before. One good example of such techniques is ultrasonic teeth cleanings. Keep reading on below if you'd like to find out what ultrasonic cleanings are and the benefits they provide relative to traditional cleanings.

What is ultrasonic teeth cleaning?

Before discussing the benefits of ultrasonic teeth cleaning, it is important to understand how it works. Ultrasonic cleaning is a method of professional teeth cleaning that involves removing calculus — hardened dental tartar —  from the teeth using a hand-held device called an ultrasonic scaler. This cleaning device emits electromagnetic forces, which cause the unit's small tip to vibrate at a rapid rate. It is these pulsations that scrape away unwanted buildup from the surface of the teeth. 

What are the benefits of ultrasonic cleanings over traditional cleanings?

Some of the noteworthy advantages that ultrasonic teeth-cleanings offer compared to conventional cleanings include:

1. Increased comfort: One of the questions many people often ask is, doesn't teeth cleaning with an ultrasound scaler sound rather uncomfortable? Relax! There is no cause for alarm. The power range of the unit and the frequency at which the tip vibrates can be adjusted to maximise comfort levels.
2. Superior cleaning results: Thanks to its tiny tip, an ultrasound scaler can be used to clean hard-to-reach areas of the tooth. What is more, the tip achieves better cleaning results on tooth surfaces with less pressure. Hence, patient comfort does not need to be compromised to achieve superior cleaning results.
3. Faster cleaning: Generally speaking, dental cleaning with an ultrasound scaler requires less time than tooth cleaning with a standard hand scaler. This means that patients end up spending less time in the dental chair. Every patient will appreciate this for sure. 

For more information about ultrasound dental cleanings and the benefits that they bring to the table, you should speak to a local general dentist that provides these cleaning services for dental check ups. They will be glad to address any questions or concerns you may have.