4293 King St E
Kitchener, ON N2P 2E9
Today's Hours
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Book Now
(519) 650-1111

Cavitron

Dental Technology

The Cavitron is an essential instrument in today’s dental hygiene practice, particularly for individuals dealing with gingivitis, periodontal disease, or significant tartar accumulation. Its mechanism relies on high-frequency sound waves to dislodge hardened plaque and tartar, making it a powerful aid in maintaining oral health.

Cavitron at Deer Ridge Dental

The Cavitron is a brand name for a popular ultrasonic scaling device used in dental cleanings to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from teeth. It’s a key tool in modern dental hygiene, especially for patients with gingivitis, periodontal disease, or heavy tartar buildup. The Cavitron uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasonic vibrations) to help break up hardened plaque and tartar, making the cleaning process more efficient, comfortable, and effective compared to manual scaling alone.

How Does the Cavitron Work?

The Cavitron works through the use of ultrasonic waves that are generated by a handpiece attached to the unit. Here’s how the system works:

High-Frequency Vibrations

The Cavitron uses ultrasonic vibrations that are created by a transducer in the handpiece. These high-frequency vibrations are emitted from a small, metal tip that moves rapidly.

Water Irrigation: 

The device also uses a water spray to cool the handpiece and provide irrigation during the procedure. This helps wash away the debris created by the ultrasonic vibrations, flushing it out from the mouth. The water also helps to prevent any discomfort caused by the heat generated from the vibrations.

Plaque and Tartar Removal

: The ultrasonic vibrations gently break apart plaque and tartar, even from hard-to-reach areas around the gum line and between teeth. The Cavitron is highly effective at removing hardened tartar, which is difficult to remove with manual scalers alone.

Comfort and Precision: 

The Cavitron is designed to be comfortable and precise, making it ideal for removing deposits without causing excessive damage to the enamel. The ultrasonic scaling tip can be adjusted for different levels of intensity based on the patient’s needs.

Benefits of Using the Cavitron

Contact Us

  • Effective Plaque and Tartar Removal

    The Cavitron is especially effective at removing hardened plaque and tartar that accumulate on teeth over time. Tartar is much harder to remove with manual tools because it is mineralized, but the Cavitron can break it down with its ultrasonic vibrations.

  • Gentle and Comfortable

    Compared to traditional hand scaling, the Cavitron is generally gentler and more comfortable for patients, especially those with sensitive gums. The ultrasonic vibrations are less likely to cause discomfort or irritation, and the water irrigation cools the area, reducing heat sensitivity.

  • Faster Cleanings

    The Cavitron can make the cleaning process faster and more efficient. It’s particularly useful for patients with significant plaque buildup or gum disease, as the vibrations break down large amounts of tartar quickly. This means less time in the dentist’s chair for the patient.

  • More Thorough Cleaning

    Ultrasonic scaling is particularly effective at reaching areas that are difficult to clean with manual instruments, such as beneath the gumline and between the teeth. This allows for a more thorough cleaning, helping to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues.

  • Helps Prevent Gum Disease

    By removing plaque and tartar, the Cavitron helps prevent the development of gingivitis (gum inflammation) and more serious conditions like periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Regular use of the Cavitron as part of professional cleanings can help maintain healthy gums and prevent tooth loss caused by gum disease.

  • Prevents Recurrent Plaque Buildup

    The Cavitron is also great at disrupting biofilms (sticky bacterial colonies) that can lead to plaque buildup. It cleans the surface of the teeth in a way that makes it more difficult for plaque to form, helping to reduce the recurrence of tartar formation between cleanings.

  • More Comfortable for Patients with Sensitive Teeth

    Since the Cavitron is used with water, it can be more comfortable for patients with sensitive teeth or sensitive gum tissue, compared to manual scaling. The vibration and irrigation help minimize discomfort during the cleaning process.

The Catitron Procedure: What to Expect

Initial Exam

The hygienist or dentist will first perform a visual exam of your teeth and gums to assess your oral health. They might also take X-rays if needed to check for areas of concern.

Ultrasonic Scaling

The hygienist will use the Cavitron handpiece with an ultrasonic tip to clean your teeth. The tip will vibrate rapidly to break up tartar and plaque on the surfaces of your teeth, and a gentle stream of water will irrigate the area to wash away debris.

Hand Scaling (if needed) 

After the initial ultrasonic scaling, the hygienist may use traditional hand scalers to fine-tune the cleaning, removing any remaining tartar or plaque, especially in hard-to-reach areas or near the gumline.

Polishing

After the scaling is complete, your teeth will likely be polished with a special paste to remove surface stains and leave your teeth feeling smooth.

Fluoride Treatment

Some patients may receive a fluoride treatment at the end of the cleaning to help strengthen their enamel and prevent cavities.

Benefits for Specific Patient Needs

New Patients
  • For Gum Disease: The Cavitron is commonly used for patients with gingivitis or periodontal disease. It can help remove the bacteria and tartar that contribute to gum inflammation, making it an essential tool for deep cleanings known as scaling and root planing.
  • For Sensitive Teeth or Gums: Patients with sensitive teeth or gums may find Cavitron cleanings more comfortable than traditional manual scaling. The ultrasonic vibrations are gentler on sensitive gum tissue.
  • For Heavy Tartar Buildup: Cavitron is highly effective for patients who have significant tartar buildup, as the ultrasonic vibrations can break up the hard deposits more easily than manual scalers.
  • For Regular Maintenance: Even for patients with healthy teeth and gums, using the Cavitron for regular cleanings can help keep teeth free from plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
      1.