The Vector method is an ultrasonic procedure that removes calculus (hard deposits on the tooth root surface), germs and their endotoxins (bacterial toxins) from the periodontal pocket with little pain and while protecting the tissue structures. Periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontium) is a bacterially triggered disease of the periodontium, which is accompanied by an inflammatory degradation of the alveolar bone (the bone that forms the tooth compartments) and whose course can be complicated by certain risk factors. After caries (tooth decay), it represents the second most common disease in the oral cavity. If left untreated, it leads to tooth loss in the medium or long term. However, if detected and treated at an early stage, periodontitis can be stopped – provided that oral hygiene is permanently optimized and regularly supplemented by professional support. In this context, the Vector method is a useful and gentle ultrasonic procedure that can be used to remove tartar, calculus and bacterial biofilm with little pain and while protecting the hard tooth substance and periodontal soft tissue as part of PZR (professional tooth cleaning), non-surgical periodontal treatment or UPT (supportive periodontal therapy after periodontal treatment).
Indications (areas of application)
- For professional dental cleaning (PZR).
- For non-surgical periodontal treatment.
- For supportive periodontal therapy after successful periodontal treatment (UPT).
- For the treatment of peri-implantitis (implant bed inflammation).
- For microinvasive hard substance removal – only with targeted use of silicon carbide particles.
- For low-pain removal of mineral deposits and biofilm (bacterial plaque).
Contraindications
- General medical conditions during which bacteremia (washing of germs into the bloodstream) must not be induced – endocarditis prophylaxis (antibiosis to prevent bacterial endocarditis), if necessary.
- Increased bleeding tendency – if necessary, adjustment of blood clotting parameters by the attending general practitioner.
- Weakened immune defenses – if necessary shielding by an antibiotic.
The procedures
I. Removal of tartar and calculus.
The Vector works with high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations (25 – 35 kHz), which are translated into a linear-vertical oscillatory motion. A filigree instrument tip – for processing tooth surfaces made of high-quality steel – takes over this movement parallel to the tooth axis. This linear oscillation to the tooth axis distinguishes the Vector from other ultrasonic systems. Under low contact pressure, the instrument tip is slowly guided tangentially around the tooth in the gingival pocket. The energy is not transferred directly to the tooth, but indirectly via the liquid surrounding the instrument tip. Coatings are removed, but without damaging the root surfaces or soft tissue. The high-frequency vertical (perpendicular) oscillation shows the following effects:
- Subgingival calculus removal (in the gingival pockets) and supragingival calculus removal (outside the gingival pocket above the gingival attachment) – “pulverization” of plaque by coupling ultrasonic energy to the tooth surface, not by mechanical crushing.
- Bursting of the bacterial cell membranes by the liquid vibrations, thereby effectively eliminating the biofilm and endotoxins (bacterial toxins) on the root surfaces.
During treatment with the Vector-Scaler handpiece or the Vector-Paro handpiece, dissolved plaque is flushed out of the gingival pockets by rinsing fluids – e.g. water, disinfecting chlorhexidine or iodine solutions – as is also possible with other ultrasonic devices. Unlike comparable systems, however, during cleaning with the Vector scaler approach, the rinsing fluid can be enriched with a suspension (suspension of fine, non-soluble particles in a liquid) of hydroxyapatite particles (Vector Fluid polish), which leaves the root surfaces and enamel smoothed, making it more difficult for hard and soft plaque to reattach. A final rinse, e.g. with saline solution, thoroughly removes any remaining hydroxyapatite particles from the gingival pockets. II.Treatment of periimplantitis
The cleaning of implant surfaces as part of periimplantitis therapy (treatment of implant bed inflammation) requires special instrument tips made of special fiber composites or plastic for the Vector Paro handpiece. This allows biofilm and concrements to be removed from the sensitive implant surfaces without damaging them. The procedure is the same as for cleaning natural surfaces. The Vector system has an advantage over plastic hand curettes in removing bacterial biofilm. III. Hard substance removal
If the rinsing liquid is enriched with silicon carbide particles (Vector Fluid abrasive) as abrasive particles, it is possible to selectively remove hard tooth substances or protruding filling margins. After the procedure
- Regular recalls (control appointments) to optimize the oral hygiene technique and PZR.