Do we know ultrasonic vibration doesn't damage adhesives?

[RNik]

Where I grew up, my dentists always used those manual metal scalers to scrape and remove tartar. Recently I've been living in Latin America and all my dentists have all used these ultrasonic water-spraying scalers. I was surprised at the sense of vibration the first time. I doesn't hurt but I don't love the sensation. But if it works, okay.

Five months ago I had my first tooth repair beyond basic fillings. It's a lithium disilicate inlay (or "encrustación" as they call it here). If I understand correctly, this is held in place by an adhesive, unlike my amalgams that are held in place mechanically. So... my common sense tells me if there is some microscopic bond there, I should not be vibrating it, the way that ultrasonic scalar feels like it does.

I wonder if there are any studies or scientific backing to show that vibrations don't damage the bonds? Or perhaps it is possible to damage the adhesive bonds, and the dentist needs to use the scalar correctly to avoid that.

I'm debating whether to find someone to do it the "old way" and scrape my teeth with the manual metal tools.

 

[sandrefoss]

Where I grew up, my dentists always used those manual metal scalers to scrape and remove tartar. Recently I've been living in Latin America and all my dentists have all used these ultrasonic water-spraying scalers. I was surprised at the sense of vibration the first time. I doesn't hurt but I don't love the sensation. But if it works, okay.

Five months ago I had my first tooth repair beyond basic fillings. It's a lithium disilicate inlay (or "encrustación" as they call it here). If I understand correctly, this is held in place by an adhesive, unlike my amalgams that are held in place mechanically. So... my common sense tells me if there is some microscopic bond there, I should not be vibrating it, the way that ultrasonic scalar feels like it does.

I wonder if there are any studies or scientific backing to show that vibrations don't damage the bonds? Or perhaps it is possible to damage the adhesive bonds, and the dentist needs to use the scalar correctly to avoid that.

I'm debating whether to find someone to do it the "old way" and scrape my teeth with the manual metal tools.

I was hesitant about ultrasonic scalers at first too, but after seeing how smoothly my own lithium disilicate crown held up through years of cleanings, I realized the high-tech bond is much tougher than it feels. It’s truly impressive how these modern adhesives create a "monoblock" with your tooth that can easily withstand those high-frequency vibrations without budging.