Protection from cross infection during ultrasonic teeth scaling

Protection from cross infection during ultrasonic teeth scaling Article 2.

One of the most common practices for teeth cleaning, namely plaque removal is ultrasonic scaling. This is an essential procedure to endure, as plaque is known to be the main cause of gum disease. As technology has improved over the years we are now able to break up and remove the build up of calculus and plaque on our teeth with ultrasonic power scalers.

The tool

These types of ultrasonic scalers have improved over time. Today the common tool used is a power scaler. This machine uses the energy of ultrasonic vibration to crush and remove the pockets of calcified calculus deposits between the teeth and gums. It is extremely effective in penetrating deep into the gum tissue without disrupting the gums themselves. 

The issue

These power scalers work on such a deep level that the deep pockets of calculus crush open after long stints of calcification. This creates a mist of bacteria that comes out of the mouth during the procedure. This mist, along with fresh gum tissue open to the air, creates a prime possibility for cross-infection. 

After so much time with calcified calculus and plaque in-between certain areas of teeth and gums it can be easy for infection to take place. Almost like an open wound, the gums are vulnerable to cross-infection. 

Cross-infection can also take place for the dentist or others after this procedure. The mist from the calcified plaque breaking open bursts outwards from the gums straight into the open air. The possible infecting bacteria spreads and lands in a wide area.

Best practices for avoiding cross-infection

Cross-infection has been an issue in the medical and dental field since it began. The dentist performing the procedure avoids direct contamination with the protective layers of their safety glasses, surgical gloves, and mouth guard masks. This is the contamination from many volatile organic chemicals such as water, tissue, blood, saliva and tooth dust. But this takes very long procedure to clean the scaler tips and the cross infection still remains.For this reason,more and more dental hygenists are looking for a Scaling patient owned kits which they can sell to their patients for extra profit and also every patient owned their own kit.

www.easyinsmile.com
Free DHL Shipping Worldwide on order over US$ 89

The room itself must be wiped down and disinfected between procedures. The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests and supports the idea of the “Wipe-Spray-Wipe” technique for the room in-between procedures. An area of at least six feet from the patient must be disinfected. 

As far as avoiding contamination within the mouth of the patient it is quite simple. The first and strongest layer of defense used is an antiseptic rinse with a mouthwash. The most common of these mouthwashes used is Chlorhexidine.

Home procedure

All of the practices listed above should be followed quite similarly at home. While there is much less of any chance that the contaminants from your own mouth will infect you, it can be unsafe for other members of your family. 

When performing ultrasonic teeth scaling at home make sure to wear surgical gloves to avoid the contamination within your own mouth. Once finished with the cleaning, follow the guidelines set above. Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill the bacteria in your mouth. Clean and disinfect a radius of at least six feet from where you performed the cleaning. After finishing the home procedure, enjoy the clean feeling of your fresh teeth, and disinfected bathroom.