Meet the Cavitron

We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to one of your teeth’s best friends: The Cavitron. The Cavitron is a state-of-the-art ultrasonic cleaner that your hygienist uses at your preventative care visits. Technically, Cavitron is a brand name (like Kleenex), but we think it sounds catchier than “ultrasonic scaler” so we’re going to run with it.

Good vibrations: The Cavitron vibrates at the super high frequency of around 25,000 movements per second, which creates waves outside of the range of human hearing. These powerful little motions vibrate away plaque and tartar that have had a chance to build up between visits. If you have an electric toothbrush, it produces about 62,000 movements per minute. That’s impressive, but it’s got nothing on the million movements per minute that the Cavitron boasts.

Reaches where your toothbrush can’t: The Cavitron has an extra tiny tip that allows it to gently reach into the small pockets between your gums and your teeth to remove areas of tartar that may be forming. This action helps prevent or manage gum disease, but your toothbrush bristles can’t reach these pockets at home.

Water, water, everywhere: The Cavitron uses a steady flow of water to wash away the debris that it has loosened from your teeth. The water also helps flush out loose bacteria that have made themselves at home in the pockets between your teeth and gums. For our gum care patients, we may use a special antimicrobial wash instead of water to help control bacterial levels.

Your hygienist will also use hand instruments in conjunction with the Cavitron to make sure that you have the best possible visit and leave with squeaky clean teeth. You’re always welcome to our complimentary comfort menu, which includes topical numbing gel & a lavender towelette, to make sure you’re comfortable.