To prevent leakage of light at the junction of the
handpiece and the insert, be sure to fully press
the insert into the handpiece before use, and
make sure that the autoclavable sheath is fully
threaded onto the handpiece.
There is a built-in, 4-second delay between
release of the foot pedal and the shut off of the
handpiece light. This time delay allows the
clinician to inspect the operating site using the
light after scaling has ceased.
CLINICAL SUGGESTIONS ON
TOOTH SCALING
• Ultrasonic scalers should be used by trained,
licensed professionals only.
• Inserts and handpiece sheaths must be
sterilized before each use.
• Use of face mask and high-volume intraoral
suction is strongly recommended when
operating this device, to avoid inhalation of
contaminated aerosols.
• The scaler water should be flushed for several
minutes at the beginning of each treatment day.
DO NOT OPERATE UNIT WITHOUT WATER
FLOWING.
• Use the lowest effective scaling power for the
case at hand. This keeps heat generation to
a minimum.
• Before using the insert in the oral cavity, adjust
the water spray mist over a sink using the water
control on the faceplate of the scaler. For patient
comfort, use a good flow of water as a coolant,
lubricant and debris flush.
• If patient is new to ultrasonic scaling, explain
to them what to expect. When done properly,
the patient should not experience any
uncomfortable heat. If patient experiences heat,
adjust power and water controls accordingly.
• Do not test a scaler tip on your fingers while
operating, as this is not a valid test of how
scaling feels to the patient. If you touch the tip, it
will feel uncomfortably hot to your fingers.
• Hold the handpiece in a comfortable pen-
grasp. Elevated heat may be felt if the lighted
handpiece is gripped where the insert meets the
sheath. To remove deposits from teeth, always
use a light brushing stroke with the side of the
insert tip, in contact with and parallel to the
root surface. Excess pressure will not improve
scaling action, but may cause heating and pain
to the patient. Keep the scaler insert in motion
at all times, using repeated gentle strokes to
remove all tenacious deposits. Occasionally
pause during scaling by removing foot from
pedal to evaluate deposit removal.
• Exercise caution near ceramic restorations, as
they can fracture if stressed.
CLEANING AND INFECTION CONTROL
• Consult www.CDC.gov for the document
“Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental
Health-Care Settings”.
• Autoclaving does not remove debris that has
accumulated on the sheath or the insert. Failure
to adequately remove debris will result in
inadequate sterilization.
• DO NOT AUTOCLAVE THE TurboVUE
CONTROL UNIT, as high heat will destroy it.
The control unit should be cleaned of debris
with a water-damp paper towel, disinfected
by wiping with a paper towel that has been
saturated with an EPA-registered low-level (HIV/
HBV claim) to intermediate-level (tuberculocidal
claim) hospital disinfectant, wiped of chemical
residue with a water-damp paper towel, and
dried. Utilize the surface disinfecting protocol of
the disinfectant manufacturer.
• The sheath and ultrasonic insert must be
washed in soap and water and rinsed in running
water prior to bagging them for processing in
a steam autoclave. They may be sterilized in
any conventional steam autoclave following
manufacturer’s instructions. A typical steam
cycle is 250°F-268°F / 121°C-131°C for 30
minutes at 15 psi, followed by a 15 minute cool-
down period. After cooling, inspect the device
in the autoclave bag for integrity. If suspicion
about the item exists, discard it and order a
replacement from Parkell or your dealer.
• DO NOT USE DRY HEAT OR CHEMCLAVE on
the sheath or the insert.
HOW TO REPLACE THE FILTER DISK
Parkell urges all scaler users to monitor the
condition of the water filter periodically and
change the filter every
3-4 months, or whenever
noticeable darkening of
the disk occurs, or when
water flow decreases.
The most common
reason for service for
ultrasonic scalers is
failure by the user to
periodically change
the water filter. This will result in contamination
and clogging of the internal water components.
Replacement filters are available from Parkell
(Stock No. D419 – ten per package).
1. To change the filter, close any water valves, and
bleed all water lines of residual water pressure.
2. Disconnect the scaler water supply hose from
the water supply at the quick-connect.
3. Remove the old filter disk by holding it in
one hand and twisting off the Luer-lock hose
connectors on either side. They rotate in
opposite directions.
