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Damien A Walmsley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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High Speed Imaging of Cavitation around Dental Ultrasonic Scaler Tips - Fig 7
2016Co-Authors: Nina Vyas, E Pecheva, Hamid Dehghani, Q X Wang, Rachel L. Sammons, David M. Leppinen, Damien A WalmsleyAbstract:Box and whisker plots of (a) the area of the bubble clouds at the tip of three different Ultrasonic Scaler tips operating at medium and high (b) the height and width of the bubble cloud.
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Settings used during high speed imaging of cavitation around various parts of the Ultrasonic Scaler tips.
2016Co-Authors: Nina Vyas, E Pecheva, Hamid Dehghani, Q X Wang, Rachel L. Sammons, David M. Leppinen, Damien A WalmsleyAbstract:Settings used during high speed imaging of cavitation around various parts of the Ultrasonic Scaler tips.
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three dimensional analyses of Ultrasonic Scaler oscillations
Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2009Co-Authors: Simon C Lea, Bernhard Felver, Gabriel Landini, Damien A WalmsleyAbstract:Background: It is stated that the oscillation patterns of dental Ultrasonic Scalers are dependent upon whether the instrument is of a magnetostrictive or piezoelectric design. These patterns are then linked to differences in root surface debridement in vitro. Material and Methods: Piezoelectric (A, P) and magnetostrictive (Slimline, TFI-3) Ultrasonic Scalers (three of each) were evaluated, loaded (100 g/200 g) and unloaded with a 3D laser vibrometer. Loads were applied to the probe tips via teeth mounted in a load-measuring device. Results: Elliptical motion was demonstrated for all probes under loaded and unloaded conditions. Loading flattened the elliptical motion along the length of the probe. Unloaded, Slimline tip 1 was significantly different to tips 2 and 3 (p 0.207). All TFI-3 tips were different to each other (p 0.867). Generator power increased all Slimline and P tip vibrations (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Probe oscillation patterns are independent of ultrasound production mechanism and are dependent upon probe shape and generator power. Loaded probes oscillated with an elliptical pattern.
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the effect of water flow rate on Ultrasonic Scaler performance in vitro evaluation
Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2008Co-Authors: Simon C Lea, Gabriel Landini, Jonathan J Lightstone, Damien A WalmsleyAbstract:vibration. Study design: The vibration displacement amplitude of three designs of Scaler insert, including a Slimline tip, TFI-10 and TFI-3 (Dentsply, USA), were assessed unloaded and under 0.50 N and 1.00 N load and with water flow rates of 20 ml/min and 40 ml/min. Vibration analysis was performed using a scanning laser vibrometer. Results: Increasing water flow rate from 20 ml/min to 40 ml/min caused a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in all tip vibrations. Increasing water from 20 ml/min to 40 ml/min with the unloaded Slimline tip is equivalent to applying a 1.00 N load, and for the TFI-10 tip is equivalent to applying a 0.50 N load in vitro. Conclusions: Water flow rate has a significant influence on Scaler tip vibration characteristics and is particularly important for lighter, thinner tips such as the Slimline design. Future in vitro research must consider the loading effect that water flow over Ultrasonic Scaler tips will have on their performance.
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the effect of wear on Ultrasonic Scaler tip displacement amplitude
Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2006Co-Authors: Simon C Lea, Gabriel Landini, Damien A WalmsleyAbstract:Aim: During clinical usage, Scaler tips may become worn and reduced in length. It is unknown what effect wear has on the magnitude of Scaler tip vibrations when they are utilized under typical clinical loads. The aim of this investigation was to assess the effect of simulated wear on Ultrasonic Scaler tip displacement amplitude, using a scanning laser vibrometer. Materials and Methods: A Cavitron SPS (Dentsply) Ultrasonic generator and three Scaler insert designs (FSI-100, FSI-1000 and FSI-SLI-10S) were selected for the investigation. Tip vibration displacement amplitude was assessed unloaded and then contacting against tooth surfaces with loads of 0.5 and 1.0 N. Tips were then ground down by 1 mm and then 2 mm and scans were repeated. Results: For all tips, load and length were found to be significant variables (p<0.0001). The Scaler tips showed a fall in displacement amplitude with a reduction in tip length. However, all Scaler tips showed variability in the amount oscillation that occurred. This was most pronounced with FSI-SLI-10S. Conclusions: This investigation demonstrated that tip wear could affect the performance of dental Ultrasonic Scaler inserts by reducing their vibration displacement amplitude. Clinicians should be aware of this variability, which may be significant enough to affect clinical procedures.
A D Walmsley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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improved biofilm removal using cavitation from a dental Ultrasonic Scaler vibrating in carbonated water
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 2021Co-Authors: Nina Vyas, Qian Wang, A D WalmsleyAbstract:Abstract The use of cavitation for improving biofilm cleaning is of great interest. There is no system at present that removes the biofilm from medical implants effectively and specifically from dental implants. Cavitation generated by a vibrating dental Ultrasonic Scaler tip can clean biomaterials such as dental implants. However, the cleaning process must be significantly accelerated for clinical applications. In this study we investigated whether the cavitation could be increased, by operating the Scaler in carbonated water with different CO2 concentrations. The cavitation around an Ultrasonic Scaler tip was recorded with high speed imaging. Image analysis was used to calculate the area of cavitation. Bacterial biofilm was grown on surfaces and its removal was imaged with a high speed camera using the Ultrasonic Scaler in still and carbonated water. Cavitation increases significantly with increasing carbonation. Cavitation also started earlier around the tips when they were in carbonated water compared to non-carbonated water. Significantly more biofilm was removed when the Scaler was operated in carbonated water. Our results suggest that using carbonated water could significantly increase and accelerate cavitation around Ultrasonic Scalers in a clinical situation and thus improve biofilm removal from dental implants and other biomaterials.
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numerical investigation of cavitation generated by an Ultrasonic dental Scaler tip vibrating in a compressible liquid
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 2020Co-Authors: Kawa Manmi, Nina Vyas, Qian Wang, Warren R Smith, A D WalmsleyAbstract:Bacterial biofilm accumulation around dental implants is a significant problem leading to peri-implant diseases and implant failure. Cavitation occurring in the cooling water around Ultrasonic Scaler tips can be used as a novel solution to remove debris without any surface damage. However, current clinically available instruments provide insufficient cavitation around the activated tip surface. To solve this problem a critical understanding of the vibro-acoustic behaviour of the Scaler tip and the associated cavitation dynamics is necessary. In this research, we carried out a numerical study for an ultrasound dental Scaler with a curved shape tip vibrating in water, using ABAQUS based on the finite element method. We simulated the three-dimensional, nonlinear and transient interaction between the vibration and deformation of the Scaler tip, the water flow around the Scaler and the cavitation formation and dynamics. The numerical model was well validated with the experiments and there was excellent agreement for displacement at the free end of the Scaler. A systematic parametric study has been carried out for the cavitation volume around the Scaler tip in terms of the frequency, amplitude and power of the tip vibration. The numerical results indicate that the amount of cavitation around the Scaler tip increases with the frequency and amplitude of the vibration. However, if the frequency is far from the natural frequency, the cavitation volume around the free end decreases due to reduced free end vibration amplitude.
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a quantitative method to measure biofilm removal efficiency from complex biomaterial surfaces using sem and image analysis
Scientific Reports, 2016Co-Authors: Nina Vyas, Hamid Dehghani, Rachel Sammons, Owen Addison, A D WalmsleyAbstract:Biofilm accumulation on biomaterial surfaces is a major health concern and significant research efforts are directed towards producing biofilm resistant surfaces and developing biofilm removal techniques. To accurately evaluate biofilm growth and disruption on surfaces, accurate methods which give quantitative information on biofilm area are needed, as current methods are indirect and inaccurate. We demonstrate the use of machine learning algorithms to segment biofilm from scanning electron microscopy images. A case study showing disruption of biofilm from rough dental implant surfaces using cavitation bubbles from an Ultrasonic Scaler is used to validate the imaging and analysis protocol developed. Streptococcus mutans biofilm was disrupted from sandblasted, acid etched (SLA) Ti discs and polished Ti discs. Significant biofilm removal occurred due to cavitation from Ultrasonic scaling (p < 0.001). The mean sensitivity and specificity values for segmentation of the SLA surface images were 0.80 ± 0.18 and 0.62 ± 0.20 respectively and 0.74 ± 0.13 and 0.86 ± 0.09 respectively for polished surfaces. Cavitation has potential to be used as a novel way to clean dental implants. This imaging and analysis method will be of value to other researchers and manufacturers wishing to study biofilm growth and removal.
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Ultrasonics in Dentistry
Physics Procedia, 2015Co-Authors: A D WalmsleyAbstract:Abstract Ultrasonic instruments have been used in dentistry since the 1950's. Initially they were used to cut teeth but very quickly they became established as an Ultrasonic Scaler which was used to remove deposits from the hard tissues of the tooth. This enabled the soft tissues around the tooth to return to health. The Ultrasonic vibrations are generated in a thin metal probe and it is the working tip that is the active component of the instrument. Scanning laser vibrometry has shown that there is much variability in their movement which is related to the shape and cross sectional shape of the probe. The working instrument will also generate cavitation and microstreaming in the associated cooling water. This can be mapped out along the length of the instrument indicating which are the active areas. Ultrasonics has also found use for cleaning often inaccessible or different surfaces including root canal treatment and dental titanium implants. The use of Ultrasonics to cut bone during different surgical techniques shows considerable promise. More research is indicated to determine how to maximize the efficiency of such instruments so that they are more clinically effective.
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generated vibration modes in Ultrasonic Scaler transducer components
Sensor Letters, 2013Co-Authors: P A Bartlett, A D Walmsley, Simon C Lea, Gabriel Landini, Turgut Meydan, P I Williams, Anthony John MosesAbstract:Magnetostrictive materials have been utilized for the production of resonant Ultrasonic-frequency vibrations for a number of years. This effect has been utilised in laminated nickel-based Ultrasonic dental Scaler cleaning systems. Laser vibrometry measurements were undertaken that showed that a typical dental Ultrasonic Scaler resonated at 29 kHz due to dynamic magnetostriction of the insert's laminated nickel 'stack.' This, in turn, excited insert probe vibrations that are used to remove dental calculus. 3D Femlab™ mechanical finite element models were created to explore the flexural vibration modes associated with the whole insert at the vibration frequency. These models indicated that it was possible to reproduce similar probe vibration mode-shapes to those seen via scanning laser vibrometry measurements. Also, the models indicate that vibrations, useful for dental scaling, can only be achieved if the coupled flexural and longitudinal resonant modes are stimulated at the same drive frequency.
Nina Vyas - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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improved biofilm removal using cavitation from a dental Ultrasonic Scaler vibrating in carbonated water
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 2021Co-Authors: Nina Vyas, Qian Wang, A D WalmsleyAbstract:Abstract The use of cavitation for improving biofilm cleaning is of great interest. There is no system at present that removes the biofilm from medical implants effectively and specifically from dental implants. Cavitation generated by a vibrating dental Ultrasonic Scaler tip can clean biomaterials such as dental implants. However, the cleaning process must be significantly accelerated for clinical applications. In this study we investigated whether the cavitation could be increased, by operating the Scaler in carbonated water with different CO2 concentrations. The cavitation around an Ultrasonic Scaler tip was recorded with high speed imaging. Image analysis was used to calculate the area of cavitation. Bacterial biofilm was grown on surfaces and its removal was imaged with a high speed camera using the Ultrasonic Scaler in still and carbonated water. Cavitation increases significantly with increasing carbonation. Cavitation also started earlier around the tips when they were in carbonated water compared to non-carbonated water. Significantly more biofilm was removed when the Scaler was operated in carbonated water. Our results suggest that using carbonated water could significantly increase and accelerate cavitation around Ultrasonic Scalers in a clinical situation and thus improve biofilm removal from dental implants and other biomaterials.
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numerical investigation of cavitation generated by an Ultrasonic dental Scaler tip vibrating in a compressible liquid
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 2020Co-Authors: Kawa Manmi, Nina Vyas, Qian Wang, Warren R Smith, A D WalmsleyAbstract:Bacterial biofilm accumulation around dental implants is a significant problem leading to peri-implant diseases and implant failure. Cavitation occurring in the cooling water around Ultrasonic Scaler tips can be used as a novel solution to remove debris without any surface damage. However, current clinically available instruments provide insufficient cavitation around the activated tip surface. To solve this problem a critical understanding of the vibro-acoustic behaviour of the Scaler tip and the associated cavitation dynamics is necessary. In this research, we carried out a numerical study for an ultrasound dental Scaler with a curved shape tip vibrating in water, using ABAQUS based on the finite element method. We simulated the three-dimensional, nonlinear and transient interaction between the vibration and deformation of the Scaler tip, the water flow around the Scaler and the cavitation formation and dynamics. The numerical model was well validated with the experiments and there was excellent agreement for displacement at the free end of the Scaler. A systematic parametric study has been carried out for the cavitation volume around the Scaler tip in terms of the frequency, amplitude and power of the tip vibration. The numerical results indicate that the amount of cavitation around the Scaler tip increases with the frequency and amplitude of the vibration. However, if the frequency is far from the natural frequency, the cavitation volume around the free end decreases due to reduced free end vibration amplitude.
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a quantitative method to measure biofilm removal efficiency from complex biomaterial surfaces using sem and image analysis
Scientific Reports, 2016Co-Authors: Nina Vyas, Hamid Dehghani, Rachel Sammons, Owen Addison, A D WalmsleyAbstract:Biofilm accumulation on biomaterial surfaces is a major health concern and significant research efforts are directed towards producing biofilm resistant surfaces and developing biofilm removal techniques. To accurately evaluate biofilm growth and disruption on surfaces, accurate methods which give quantitative information on biofilm area are needed, as current methods are indirect and inaccurate. We demonstrate the use of machine learning algorithms to segment biofilm from scanning electron microscopy images. A case study showing disruption of biofilm from rough dental implant surfaces using cavitation bubbles from an Ultrasonic Scaler is used to validate the imaging and analysis protocol developed. Streptococcus mutans biofilm was disrupted from sandblasted, acid etched (SLA) Ti discs and polished Ti discs. Significant biofilm removal occurred due to cavitation from Ultrasonic scaling (p < 0.001). The mean sensitivity and specificity values for segmentation of the SLA surface images were 0.80 ± 0.18 and 0.62 ± 0.20 respectively and 0.74 ± 0.13 and 0.86 ± 0.09 respectively for polished surfaces. Cavitation has potential to be used as a novel way to clean dental implants. This imaging and analysis method will be of value to other researchers and manufacturers wishing to study biofilm growth and removal.
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high speed imaging of cavitation around dental Ultrasonic Scaler tips
PLOS ONE, 2016Co-Authors: Nina Vyas, E Pecheva, Hamid Dehghani, Rachel Sammons, Q X Wang, David Leppine, Damie A WalmsleyAbstract:Cavitation occurs around dental Ultrasonic Scalers, which are used clinically for removing dental biofilm and calculus. However it is not known if this contributes to the cleaning process. Characterisation of the cavitation around Ultrasonic Scalers will assist in assessing its contribution and in developing new clinical devices for removing biofilm with cavitation. The aim is to use high speed camera imaging to quantify cavitation patterns around an Ultrasonic Scaler. A Satelec Ultrasonic Scaler operating at 29 kHz with three different shaped tips has been studied at medium and high operating power using high speed imaging at 15,000, 90,000 and 250,000 frames per second. The tip displacement has been recorded using scanning laser vibrometry. Cavitation occurs at the free end of the tip and increases with power while the area and width of the cavitation cloud varies for different shaped tips. The cavitation starts at the antinodes, with little or no cavitation at the node. High speed image sequences combined with scanning laser vibrometry show individual microbubbles imploding and bubble clouds lifting and moving away from the Ultrasonic Scaler tip, with larger tip displacement causing more cavitation.
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High Speed Imaging of Cavitation around Dental Ultrasonic Scaler Tips - Fig 7
2016Co-Authors: Nina Vyas, E Pecheva, Hamid Dehghani, Q X Wang, Rachel L. Sammons, David M. Leppinen, Damien A WalmsleyAbstract:Box and whisker plots of (a) the area of the bubble clouds at the tip of three different Ultrasonic Scaler tips operating at medium and high (b) the height and width of the bubble cloud.
H C Plagmann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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subgingival polishing with a teflon coated sonic Scaler insert in comparison to conventional instruments as assessed on extracted teeth
Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2000Co-Authors: Th Kocher, Andreas Ruhling, M Langenbeck, H C PlagmannAbstract:BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that endotoxins are located on the periodontally diseased root cementum and not within it. These studies led to the suggestion that the root surface could be treated less aggressively during periodontal therapy. Thus, we designed a teflon-tubed sonic Scaler insert for subgingival polishing. It was our objective to assess to which extent this new instrument is capable of removing bacterial deposits in deep pockets in comparison with conventional scaling instruments. METHOD: We compared the extent to which plaque and calculus could be removed with a curette, a conventional sonic and Ultrasonic Scaler insert, a Per-io-tor insert, and a teflon-tubed sonic Scaler insert. 84 teeth requiring extraction had been treated with one of these instruments. After extraction, the teeth were stained with Malachite green, and the following areas were assessed: area lacking plaque and calculus, calculus, and area only covered with plaque. For statistical comparison, nonparametric analyses were carried out. RESULTS: Curettes and conventional Ultrasonic and sonic-Scaler inserts had more area lacking plaque and calculus (97.5%, 92.2%, 92.1%) than did the Per-io-tor (80.1%) or the teflon-coated sonic Scaler insert (84.4%). A similar effectivity sequence was observed for residual soft deposits (curette: 1.9%, Ultrasonic Scaler: 6.1%, sonic Scaler: 5.4%, teflon-coated sonic Scaler: 5.1% and Per-io-tor: 9.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The Per-io-tor and the teflon-coated sonic Scaler insert seem to be suitable for the removal of soft deposits on the root surface, but not for the removal of calculus.
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treatment of subgingival implant surfaces with teflon coated sonic and Ultrasonic Scaler tips and various implant curettes an in vitro study
Clinical Oral Implants Research, 1994Co-Authors: Andreas Ruhling, T Kocher, J Kreusch, H C PlagmannAbstract:Removal of plaque and calculus by means of sonic and Ultrasonic Scalers causes considerable damage to implants. With a view to avoiding the aggressive effects of these instruments, an experimental study was carried out for which conventional sonic and Ultrasonic Scalers were coated with Teflon. The effects of these instruments on implant surfaces was then compared with that of plastic and metal implant curettes. Stereo-microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and surface profilometry were used to detect and record damage to implant surfaces and changes in surface roughness. Generation and propagation of heat in subgingival simulation of use of sonic and Ultrasonic Scalers were also recorded by means of temperature measurements at the implant surface. The results revealed that no discernible damage was caused by Teflon-coated sonic and Ultrasonic Scalers or implant curettes made of plastic on smooth titanium surfaces. Instrument material residues were found on rough implant surfaces. It was not the intention of this study to provide an analysis of the prerequisites for the cleaning of rough implant surfaces, but rather to determine what type of damage is to be expected when contact is made with smooth and rough surfaces unintentionally. Temperature measurements during the subgingival use of sonic and Ultrasonic Scalers indicated satisfactory functioning of the cooling system. Coating of sonic and Ultrasonic Scaler tips with Teflon thus facilitates the use of high-frequency instruments to achieve professional cleaning of implants.
Simon C Lea - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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generated vibration modes in Ultrasonic Scaler transducer components
Sensor Letters, 2013Co-Authors: P A Bartlett, A D Walmsley, Simon C Lea, Gabriel Landini, Turgut Meydan, P I Williams, Anthony John MosesAbstract:Magnetostrictive materials have been utilized for the production of resonant Ultrasonic-frequency vibrations for a number of years. This effect has been utilised in laminated nickel-based Ultrasonic dental Scaler cleaning systems. Laser vibrometry measurements were undertaken that showed that a typical dental Ultrasonic Scaler resonated at 29 kHz due to dynamic magnetostriction of the insert's laminated nickel 'stack.' This, in turn, excited insert probe vibrations that are used to remove dental calculus. 3D Femlab™ mechanical finite element models were created to explore the flexural vibration modes associated with the whole insert at the vibration frequency. These models indicated that it was possible to reproduce similar probe vibration mode-shapes to those seen via scanning laser vibrometry measurements. Also, the models indicate that vibrations, useful for dental scaling, can only be achieved if the coupled flexural and longitudinal resonant modes are stimulated at the same drive frequency.
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reconstruction of dental Ultrasonic Scaler 3d vibration patterns from phase related data
Medical Engineering & Physics, 2010Co-Authors: Simon C Lea, Gabriel LandiniAbstract:Ultrasonic Scalers are used in dentistry for removing mineralised plaque, known as calculus, from tooth surfaces. Though there is much information relating to the longitudinal vibrations of Scaler probes, corresponding lateral data is limited. Understanding the lateral motion of Ultrasonic probes is essential as, when used correctly, this motion will contribute to the cleaning process as well as to any damage caused to tooth surfaces. In this work we demonstrate the use of a single-axis scanning laser vibrometer, in conjunction with a mirror, to evaluate simultaneously the longitudinal and lateral motion of dental Scaler probes oscillating at Ultrasonic frequencies (approximately 30 kHz). Node/antinode patterns along the probe length were observed, as was an elliptical motion along the length of the probe. Application of a load to the tip of the instrument modified the vibration pattern of the whole probe. This technique seems an important step towards better characterisation of the three-dimensional movement of oscillating Ultrasonic Scaler probes, particularly when probes are contacted against teeth. Understanding the three-dimensional probe motion and how this is affected by contact with tooth surfaces may lead to future instrument designs with improved cleaning efficiency whilst minimising potential tooth damage.
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Ultrasonic Scaler oscillations and tooth surface defects
Journal of Dental Research, 2009Co-Authors: Simon C Lea, Bernhard Felver, Gabriel Landini, A D WalmsleyAbstract:Damage to tooth root surfaces may occur during Ultrasonic cleaning with both piezoelectric and magnetostrictive Ultrasonic Scalers. It is unclear which mechanism causes more damage or how their mechanism of action leads to such damage. Our null hypothesis is that tooth-surface defect dimensions, resulting from instrumentation with Ultrasonic Scalers, are independent of whether the Scaler probe is magnetostrictive or piezoelectric. Piezoelectric and magnetostrictive Ultrasonic Scaler probes were placed into contact against polished dentin samples (100 g/200 g). Resulting tooth surfaces were evaluated with a laser metrology system. Ultrasonic instrumentation produced an indentation directly related to the bodily movement of the probe as it made an impact on the surface. Load, generator power, and probe cross-section significantly affected probe vibration and defect depth/volume. Defect dimensions were independent of generator type. Magnetostrictive probes oscillated with greater displacement amplitudes than piezoelectric probes, but produced similar defects. This may be due to the cross-sectional shape of the probes.
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three dimensional analyses of Ultrasonic Scaler oscillations
Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2009Co-Authors: Simon C Lea, Bernhard Felver, Gabriel Landini, Damien A WalmsleyAbstract:Background: It is stated that the oscillation patterns of dental Ultrasonic Scalers are dependent upon whether the instrument is of a magnetostrictive or piezoelectric design. These patterns are then linked to differences in root surface debridement in vitro. Material and Methods: Piezoelectric (A, P) and magnetostrictive (Slimline, TFI-3) Ultrasonic Scalers (three of each) were evaluated, loaded (100 g/200 g) and unloaded with a 3D laser vibrometer. Loads were applied to the probe tips via teeth mounted in a load-measuring device. Results: Elliptical motion was demonstrated for all probes under loaded and unloaded conditions. Loading flattened the elliptical motion along the length of the probe. Unloaded, Slimline tip 1 was significantly different to tips 2 and 3 (p 0.207). All TFI-3 tips were different to each other (p 0.867). Generator power increased all Slimline and P tip vibrations (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Probe oscillation patterns are independent of ultrasound production mechanism and are dependent upon probe shape and generator power. Loaded probes oscillated with an elliptical pattern.
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the effect of water flow rate on Ultrasonic Scaler performance in vitro evaluation
Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 2008Co-Authors: Simon C Lea, Gabriel Landini, Jonathan J Lightstone, Damien A WalmsleyAbstract:vibration. Study design: The vibration displacement amplitude of three designs of Scaler insert, including a Slimline tip, TFI-10 and TFI-3 (Dentsply, USA), were assessed unloaded and under 0.50 N and 1.00 N load and with water flow rates of 20 ml/min and 40 ml/min. Vibration analysis was performed using a scanning laser vibrometer. Results: Increasing water flow rate from 20 ml/min to 40 ml/min caused a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in all tip vibrations. Increasing water from 20 ml/min to 40 ml/min with the unloaded Slimline tip is equivalent to applying a 1.00 N load, and for the TFI-10 tip is equivalent to applying a 0.50 N load in vitro. Conclusions: Water flow rate has a significant influence on Scaler tip vibration characteristics and is particularly important for lighter, thinner tips such as the Slimline design. Future in vitro research must consider the loading effect that water flow over Ultrasonic Scaler tips will have on their performance.
