What Is Piezosurgery?

The Greek word piezo means to squeeze or press tight. Piezosurgery is a procedure that involves the use of ultrasound waves to cut into bone. The waves do not damage surrounding tissue, giving piezosurgery its distinct advantage. Dentists use the technology when dealing with treatments that involve the bone.

 

Traditional bone-cutting techniques use drills and burs. These lead to bone and tissue loss, even with extreme skill and precision. They contribute to the fear that most people have of dentists and dental procedures. Piezosurgery helps eliminate this risk.

 

How Piezosurgery Technology Works

Piezoelectric current is created when the mechanical squeezing pressure is converted into electrical signals. The signals create ultrasonic frequency vibrations that target the tissue surface. The vibrations make the desired cuts.

 

The process is known as cavitation, resulting in bubbles that produce shock waves. Piezosurgery keeps the surgical field clean and reduces bleeding. The procedure has antibacterial properties.

 

Less Invasive Surgical Procedure

Piezosurgery uses less hand pressure than traditional instruments. The traditional instruments give the dentist little control due to much less sensitivity. The dentist develops better precision and “feel” during the cutting action. The technique produces safe cuts.

The procedure is less invasive, resulting in less tissue damage. Unlike conventional instruments, the technique creates a surgical site that is virtually bloodless. The absence of blood improves visibility.

 

When Is Piezosurgery Used?

Piezosurgery is used during various dental treatments, including:

 

• Expansion of the upper jawbone

• When placing dental implants

• During surgical extraction of molars

• Shaping of fractured bone segments

• Bone grafting

• Root canal procedures

• Lifting the maxillary sinus

• Nerve decompression in the lower jaw

• Removal of oral tumors

• Lengthening crowns

• Removing dental stains and calculus

• Treating affected tooth roots

Benefits of Piezosurgery in Dentistry

There are several reasons why dentists choose to use piezosurgery. Among these are the following:

• It provides more safety and cutting precision than conventional techniques

• It is less harmful to the surrounding soft tissue

• Results in quicker postoperative healing

• Minimal discomfort during and after the procedure

• The technique is highly versatile
  
   

Downsides of Piezosurgery

There are some downsides associated with piezosurgery in dentistry. These include the time taken, expense, and inserting tips that wear out fast. Piezosurgery is not ideal for all patients. People with diabetes, heart disease, and pacemakers should not get the treatment. It should not be used for radiotherapy patients or those with metal crowns.

 

Piezosurgery can be used effectively during bone surgery. Precise cutting of hard tissue while reducing the risk of injury to soft tissue makes it beneficial. The device generates minimal heat during the cutting, further protecting the adjacent tissue.

 

Dentists benefit from the ease of use, improving surgery results. Reducing surgical trauma and promoting fast healing helps the patient get back to their routine faster.


 

For more about piezosurgery, call Clarity Dental Center for Implant and Family Dentistry. Our office is in Federal Way, Washington. Call (253) 799-1490 to schedule an appointment today.