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Product review: TurboVue illuminated magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler

Nov. 15, 2016
Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS, reviews the TurboVue illuminated magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler from Parkell Inc.

You know those patients who are sensitive to the vibrations of the ultrasonic scaler? This one's for them. It's also for you—it illuminates the entire mouth, including hard-to-see areas, to reduce strain on your eyes.

We all know that ultrasonic scaling is effective and easy on the patient and the clinician. However, there are times when patients are sensitive to the vibrations of the ultrasonic scaler—or are sensitive in general, or when we as clinicians have difficulty seeing in the back of the mouth. While many wonderful products are available on the market, this article is designed to increase your knowledge about a particular ultrasonic scaler.

There is a new option for ultrasonic scaling that improves visibility when working in all areas of the oral cavity. This is due to the powerful light of the TurboVue illuminated magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler that illuminates all areas of the mouth, even those hard-to-reach or hard-to-see areas. It assists the operator’s eyes by enhancing visibility whether loupes or a lamp are used. In addition to increasing visibility, it can reduce eye strain. The TurboVue features a light source built into the handpiece, allowing a substantial amount of light to discharge through the 30K, light-transmitting ultrasonic inserts.

RELATED | Shedding some light on Parkell's Integra and TurboVue ultrasonic scalers

“The efficiency of the unit, along with having the light source, reduces the strain on the hygienist, while making it easy to remove accretions and reach deep pockets," said Tree Mainella, vice president of marketing, Parkell Inc.

The TurboVue ultrasonic scaler illuminates all areas of the mouth, even those that are hard to reach or see. See a video here.

The TurboVue also features autotuning technology, an expanded low-power range that improves comfort during debridement, and a power-boosting Turbo feature for an increase in scaling power when needed. The external water filter prevents clogs and dripping. The expanded low-power range makes the instrument ideal for more sensitive patients.

“The TurboVue has been a significant improvement for our clinicians in allowing them to see difficult areas of the oral cavity and is, quite frankly, another revolutionary product for Parkell,” said Mainella.

The TurboVue illuminated magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler is a product of Parkell Inc., a United States–based manufacturer of dental materials and dental electronics. On September 16, 2016, the Directa Dental Group, a manufacturer of dental consumables and materials, announced the acquisition of Parkell Inc. Karen Mitchell, prior CEO of Parkell, will remain in the company in the capacity of president.

“The TurboVue lighted handpiece scaler has made a significant impact on the way clinical hygiene is being done," said Mainella. "It is imperative for the clinician to have the ability to see in the far recesses of the oral cavity, as much of the time, some areas like the distal-lingual of [the] maxillary second molar are neglected simply because the clinician cannot see.”

RELATED | Pearls for Your Practice: Parkell's TurboVue illuminated magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler

The product may be purchased alone or in a combination package that includes the TurboVue illuminated ultrasonic scaler, the Burnett Power-Tip V light-transmitting insert, and the Periosonic Multi-fluid Irrigator. The Periosonic Multi-fluid Irrigator Model W allows the clinician to perform oral lavage with a choice of two irrigating solutions.

In summary, we now have a new tool in our armamentarium for increasing the efficacy of our in-office treatment, increasing patient comfort, and decreasing the strain on the clinician.

Editor's note: This article first appeared in Pearls for Your Practice: The Hygiene Product Navigator. Click here to subscribe. Click here to submit a products article for consideration.

Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS, is the owner of Seminars for Women’s Health and Sex-Based Medicine. She is the former editorial director of PennWell’s RDH eVillage Focus and the past president of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Maria is organizing the third International Dental Hygiene Educator’s Forum to be held March 2017 in Long Beach, California, in conjunction with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).

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