Ultrasound as an aid in the removal of tartar
The deposit above the gums can be removed manually or with an ultrasonic device, which is often used in the dental office, especially in case of severe tartar build-up. Preferably, both the EMS device and the Cavitron are used. The tip of both devices oscillates with a very high frequency, the so-called ultrasound. With 20 kHz the device “blows up” the deposit from the teeth without damaging them. Caution should be exercised in patients with a pacemaker, as the use of ultrasound can impair the functionality of the pacemaker and is therefore contraindicated.
How painful is it to remove tartar?
As a rule, the tartar removal as such is well tolerated, even if an ultrasonic device is used. Most patients find it merely unpleasant, but it is bearable due to the short application. When removing tartar, gum bleeding and a slight irritation of the gums can occur, which is accompanied by wound pain and heals very soon.The sensitivity is different for each patient, while for one patient the treatment is painless, for another it can be unbearable. If the treatment is unbearable for the patient, the gums can be anaesthetized. If necessary, the dentist can charge for this service privately.
How painful is it after tartar removal?
The irritated gums after tartar removal regenerate completely in the first two days after the treatment, so that the wound pain is quickly relieved. In the first week after the treatment it is still possible that the soft tissues are very sensitive and bleed more frequently when cleaning the interdental spaces, for example with dental floss, if it comes into contact with the silk. However, this sensitivity should disappear completely after a maximum of one week, otherwise the dentist should be consulted. The dentist will initiate a therapy to accelerate the regeneration of the soft tissues and alleviate the symptoms.
What are the costs?
Tartar removal at the dentist is covered by the health insurance company once a year and is therefore free of charge for the patient. Most private health insurance companies also pay for tartar removal once or twice a year. The tartar removal during professional dental cleaning is charged with the total cost of PZR, which is a private service or private partial service. Meanwhile, some health insurance companies even cover professional dental cleaning completely per year. For more information, the patient must contact his or her health insurance company and inquire there.
