title: Technology, ultrasonics and dentistry.
abstract: Initially used to drill cavities in teeth, ultrasonic instrumentation may now be employed for descaling tooth surfaces, root canal preparation and in apical surgery. The probe tips used to perform these procedures are available in a variety of designs to enable easier access to different areas of the mouth. This article reviews the technology behind some of the present dental ultrasonic instruments and suggests ways in which that technology could be advanced.
authors.affiliation: School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham.
authors.forename: Simon C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Lea
authors.forename: A Damien
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Walmsley
mesh_terms: D003762:Dental Instruments; D012534:Dental Scaling / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014732:Vibration