Examine the teeth and gingiva for pathology. Examine each tooth rather than the mouth globally. If there is even a small amount of tartar touching the gingiva this is disease and needs immediate removal. Oral examination under general anesthesia. Supragingival deposits are removed from buccal, lingual, and interproximal surfaces of the teeth.
Heat generated by an ultrasonic scaler can cause severe damage to the tooth and periodontal support.
Ultrasonic units must be used on crowns and exposed root surfaces only. The ability to remove tartar and potential damage by an ultrasonic scaler depends on power settings, time of exposure, amount of pressure applied, and sharpness of the tip. Regardless of the type of power scaler, use a feather light touch, keeping the water-cooled tip moving in constant sweeping motion to avoid thermal injury. Use the side of the tip not the point to remove tartar. Curettes are used to remove subgingival deposits.