Delmarva 2000 DE-2L - Using the Scaler; Scaling Technique and Insert Use; Lavage Importance; Insert Wear and Performance

7
USING THE SCALER
Tap at the calculus to start then use slow strokes with light pressure in an apical or oblique
direction with the tip parallel to the tooth surface beginning at the coronal edge of the calculus.
Do not stroke laterally at the calculus with the side of the tip as you would with a curette as this
tends to burnish heavy calculus instead of removing. Note that burnishing can also occur if power
is set too low or the tip is worn down. Allow the lavage cavitation to do the work, do not stroke
too quickly. It is highly recommended to use manual curettage in conjunction with ultrasonic
scaling because manual follow up will reveal any residual calculus and provide tactile feed back of
surface smoothness. The thin perio tips used at low power are excellent for plaque bio-film
removal but need to be used at medium power for hard calculus. For especially heavy calculus
use a general purpose tip. Use only as much POWER as necessary to remove the calculus. Use
normal septic precautions with respect to the water lavage spray due to microbial material lifted
during scaling.
Do not use the tip as a retractor. Because the tip becomes hot due to friction, use as a retractor
has significant risk of burn.
Be sure that the lavage is flowing adequately. The lavage water also serves to cool the
magnetostrictive insert. The scaler insert will fail in less than one minute due to overheating if
there is inadequate water flow.
Ultrasonic magnetostrictive inserts wear at the tip. They will wear out in due course with normal
use and become ineffective. Because of the internal mechanical advantage, a little visible wear
has a relatively large effect on performance. Check the tips for wear regularly, preferably at every
ten autoclaves. The periodontal insert should be checked at every five autoclaves because it is
subject to more rapid wear due to size. See page 7 for more information and alternate inspection
schedule.
STERILIZING AND DISINFECTING
SCALER MAGNETOSTRICTIVE INSERTS
Wipe and clean using warm water prior to autoclave. Use a toothbrush as needed. Do not clean
in an ultrasonic cleaner. Place the insert in an appropriate autoclave bag. Steam autoclave at 135
0
C and 215kPa (275
0
F and 30 PSI) for a minimum of 12 minutes followed by 20 to 30 minutes
drying time. Do not use dry heat.
SCALER
Clean the Scaler handpiece thoroughly to remove any detritus or saliva. Wipe down with an
appropriate topical disinfectant. Do not allow fluid to enter the handpiece. Shake off fluid and
allow to dry.