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Cavitron 3000 Insert Tips

The Cavitron 3000 is a magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler, which is used in dentistry for teeth cleaning purposes. The tool operates at 30 kilohertz and produces approximately 30,000 strokes per second at the insert tip. Several different insert tips are used in the Cavitron 3000, to the extent that an entire industry has been created specifically for insert tip production.

  1. Insert Tips

    • An insert tip works by spraying water into the pockets of the tooth, because of its focused spray design. This assists with clearing away debris during the cleaning process. Insert tips are interchangeable, and the size and shape of the tip is developed according to the specific requirements of the patient. For example, a patient with heavy black tar stains due to smoking will require a different tip than a patient needing a light clean.

    Components

    • The magnetostrictive stack converts electrical energy supplied by the Cavitron scaler into mechanical energy used to propel the tip. This energy is transported to the tip via the connecting body. The O-ring works as a seal to prevent water leakage and is located just before the finger grip where the insert is held. Each insert is marked with manufacture information such as name, date, frequency, tip lot and type.

    Insert Tip Range

    • The FSI range of insert tips is commonly used with the Cavitron 3000. Straight tips are designed for light cleaning and use in deplaquing pockets less than 4 mm. These are used in patients without any bone loss. Right tips are used in pockets larger than 4 mm, mainly for fine periodontal debridement. For light to moderate cleaning, general deposit removal and sub-gingival use, left tips are used.

    Precautions

    • Although inserts are designed with a rounded tip to reduce incidences of tissue laceration, dentists usually retract the tongue, cheek and lips of the patient to prevent unintentional contact with the moving tip. Tips must always be kept in motion and away from the root surfaces of teeth. It is also not advised to keep the tip focused only on one area of the tooth, to minimize discomfort in sensitive patients.

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