Sunday, April 11, 2010
Piezo Please
I used the Piezo a few weeks ago and I loved it. The small amount of water made so much of a difference when using indirect vision for a beginner. I have used the ultrasonic since then and I even feel it has helped me with the use of that instrument as well. The ultrasonic is working much better as well because I have finally been able to use it since last semester! My first experience with it was kinda like I was guessing where it was supposed to be. The Piezo, I have found, is not as awkward and heavy. The Piezo tip that i like to use was the probe tip. It looks just like the probe and is helpful to see how far you are getting into the pockets. It also helps you get into the pockets better because of the probe shape. It is easier to use the modified pen grasp because the Piezo is light weight. I can definitely tell a difference in that all sides are not active and it only has lateral action. That may be the disadvantage to the Piezo versus the Ultrasonic. Although it may give me more control, but I haven't quite figured that out yet.
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I am really glad I read this blog! I have only used the ultrasonic once and I am not very fond of it. It is awkward to hold and position which is why I have used hand scaling for the majority of my debridement. I haven't gotten the opportunity to used the Piezo yet, but will probably try it on my next patient because it seems alot easier to manipulate. I am glad you pointed out the advantages and disadvantages of the peizo vs. ultrasonic. I will be sure to pay attention to the differences so I can make a decision as to which one I prefer. Good luck with the rest of the semester!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way...I love the Piezo! The light is also amazing and less water is always welcome. When I was using the Piezo in clinic a faculty member recommended that I use Listerine mixed with water due to my patient presenting with localized 4 mm pocket depths. I thought this was a neat thing to be able to do that is not as easy to achieve with the cavitron, though I am sure it can be done.
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ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you were able to use this instrument. Two things I haven't tried yet are the swivel tips and the piezo. Although I have used the Cavitron a few times I feel I still need practice with it. You make the Piezo sound much easier than the Cavitron, which makes me feel alittle bit better about using it for the first time! Next time I'm in clinic remind me to give it a try. :)
ReplyDeleteThe first time I really used the ultrasonic was at the Orange County MOM Project. I was so nervous to use it because it produces alot of water and seems to be a bit bulky in holding so I was afraid my hand would strain to use th instrument. At the end of the project the ultrasonic becames my best friend. So easy to maneuver and activate of the tooth surface. For me its a bit diffult using it on the liguals of the anterior teeth only because of the shaped of the teeth and its hard to see indirect with all the water splashing everywhere. I am really happy that you have become confident within youself to take the step to try new instruments. Keep up the great work!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with T Hop that I read this blog. I have never used the Piezo on a patient and now I am more interested. I have grown found of the Cavitron I have used it many times and I have gotten used to giving my patients showers. I feel I use the Cavitron because it is so easy to set up in Wood clinic. Everything is right there, just put the tip on and your ready to go. With clinic being so hectic I just never really tried to get the Piezo out to try. I will be sure to try the Piezo after hearing every ones success with it.
ReplyDeleteTiffany, I agree with your blog. I have not used the Piezo, but when Mr. Kennedy demonstrated it to us, I definitely saw a difference in the amount of water. The one day that I attempted to use the Piezo, we (myself and Mr. Kennedy) could not figure out how to connect it to the unit that I was in for that day. (I think it was missing a piece or something). The clinic that I will be working in this summer will have a Piezo, so I look forward to getting the experience with it. Hopefully I will get a chance to use it in clinic next year as well. Thanks for the blog!
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