ultrasonic scaler, (in dentistry) a vibrating crystal-driven high frequency (18 to 50 kHz) instrument with a tip for supplying high-frequency vibrations. It produces bubbles that form and collapse, allowing the removal of adherent deposits such as bacteria, biofilm, calculus, and other root surface accretions from the teeth. The water stream washes the gingival pocket and the root surfaces to dilute and remove endotoxins along with bits of inflamed tissue from the walls of the gingival crevice and loose debris. See also scaler, hand scaling, sonic scaler.
