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Sonochemical Analysis of the Output of Ultrasonic Dental Scalers

Lead Research Organisation: University of Birmingham
Department Name: Dentistry

Abstract

This research project is aimed at understanding how and where cavitation occurs around ultrasonic scalers and how this occurrence may be maximised to provide a unique clinical advantage to their use. The performance of the ultrasonic scaler tips will take place on in vitro models combined with measurements using the Scanning Laser Vibrometry at the University of Birmingham. The measurement of the occurrence of cavitation around the scalers will take place at the University of Bath. This will be a two-centre project, which will combine the skills from both organisations. This work is new and exciting and is a research theme unique to the collaborative work of our two research groups. From previous work we are now able to characterise the occurrence of the cavitation in air and this project will link this with the movement of the scaling tips. This has only been done in the unloaded situation and in an open environment (i.e. a solution in a cuvette). How such activity will change when the ultrasonic scaler is in a contact situation and when it is in a confined space is unknown and is one of the challenges to be met with this project. Information gained from the research will be disseminated via a website and linked to other existing EPSRC networks. This work is of interest to manufacturers with the potential spin off for new commercial applications of such techniques in the clinical setting.
 
Description When you go to the dentist you are likely to have your teeth cleaned with an ultrasonic instrument. These instruments work by moving back and forth at high speeds and are used to remove the bacteria (dental plaque) and the attached calculus (dental tarter). This will allow the gums to return to health and also improves the appearance of the teeth. The instrument works by vibrating at ultrasonic frequencies and chips the attached deposits from the teeth. There is a flow of water that is passed over the working tip and it has been known that cavitation occurs around the tip. Cavitation is the implosion of gas bubbles and is powered by the ultrasonic vibrations. It is not known how effective this is and there has been a call by leading dentists to understand what is happening and whether the cavitation is effective. It may be possible that the cavitation has an important role to play and may provide a novel "non touch" effect on the tooth surface.
We used two specialised instruments to measure the vibrations of the ultrasonic instrument. This was a scanning laser vibrometer and it could record the movement in both 2D and 3D. The latter instrument was purchased by the EPSRC loan pool on the advice of our research group. Measurement of Cavitation was made with luminol which emits light when it comes into contact with the imploding gas bubble.
We worked jointly with Bath University and the combined studies from both teams have allowed us to determine the characteristics that are needed to be designed into dental ultrasonic scaler tips to optimise cavitation and hence non-contact cleaning of relevance to clinical situations. Further work has been funded and to translate the methods that have been developed into other clinical dental situations. In addition, novel designs of scaler tip are being developed at Birmingham. We are continuing our assessment of new tip designs with a view to potential patents of these new designs in due course.
Exploitation Route The findings are of direct interest to industry and the team are in constant discussion with Dentsply UK following on from this project.
Training and education. Prof Walmsley undertakes training courses both nationally and internationally providing dentists with the information on how to use these instruments effectively and maximise the benefit from the cavitation.
Sectors Healthcare
 
Description Our findings have been used in training courses and are used in the education syllabus of all dentists and hygienists who use such instruments. There have been several articles in high visibility manuals and magazines. For instance this tweet gives a flavour of how the work has been demonstrated. ?@DENTSPLY_UK "Optimising the performance of ultrasonic scaler inserts" Read Damien Walmsley's article: http://ow.ly/tGXEG #LoveCavitron A search of "ultrasonic scaler" and "damien walmsley" on Twitter will bring up many Tweets and reTweets
First Year Of Impact 2011
Sector Education,Healthcare
Impact Types Economic

Policy & public services