Tigon+: Gentle and efficient prophylactic treatment

Healthy and attractive teeth need thorough cleaning. As such, it is important to have them professionally cleaned at regular intervals. This also allows early diagnosis and treatment of caries, gingivitis and periodontitis. The new W&H Tigon+ piezo scaler now offers relaxed prophylactic treatment which is optimally tailored to the needs of patients and users alike.

Ms Semmler, comprehensive and well thought-out prophylaxis treatment is a decisive quality feature of a modern dental practice. How has the significance of prophylactic treatment evolved from your patients’ perspective in recent years?

Maria Semmler: Patients have become considerably more aware of the importance of professional cleaning and polishing in recent years. This is largely due to the fact that the topic has received more attention both in dental practices and in the media, where prophylaxis is being addressed more and more frequently. As a result, the demand for prophylactic treatment has also increased in our practice. Many patients have already taken out private health insurance in order to cover the costs of prophylactic treatment and have their teeth cleaned and polished professionally at least once a year.

You have been working with the W&H Tigon+ piezo scaler for around a year now. What particular benefits do you personally see in its use?

Maria Semmler: The handpiece with the 5x LED ring represents the greatest advantage in my eyes. The treatment surface can be difficult to see in the posterior molar region in particular, and when you work on your own, as I do, you need to interrupt the treatment continuously in order to reposition the operating light for better illumination. The LED ring on the Tigon+ handpiece illuminates the treatment size evenly, meaning that I benefit from optimal light conditions in every treatment situation.

The light signal indicating that the fluid in the coolant reservoir is running low is an additional highlight. In earlier units, I often only became aware of the fact very late on and the tip would become very hot within a very short space of time. With the Tigon+, I can now devote my entire attention to the patient and I am alerted to the low fluid level in good time by the light signal. The W&H tip range is also very useful and is perfectly designed for the specific application. The very fine tips in particular make my work considerably easier. Now I can clean specifically under the crown edge without damaging the ceramic veneer. The fine tips from W&H also allow me to access the interdental spaces even when the teeth are positioned close together. That wasn’t possible with earlier tips, and I often had to finish the treatment off with a manual instrument.

What reactions have you noticed from patients so far?

Maria Semmler: Many patients react very sensitively to high-pitched tones. The area you work in when performing professional cleaning and polishing is very close to the auditory canal and patients often perceive the noises emitted by a piezo scaler as very unpleasant. I’ve had to stop treatment for that very reason a number of times. However, when using the Tigon+, the patients find the sounds more pleasant and the entire treatment is less painful. Patients also particularly appreciate the heated irrigation fluid, which prevents irritation of sensitive teeth.

How would you rate the operating concept of the Tigon+?

Maria Semmler: The Tigon+ allows me to design my own approach, which is completely tailored to my personal requirements and preferred working methods. The Tigon+ is easy to use and uncomplicated; I can change between programmes during treatment at the touch of a button. That allows me to adjust the coolant flow quantity and strength easily and without interruptions, even mid-treatment. The Tigon+ operating concept supports a fluid and efficient workflow and saves valuable working steps.

W&H launched new periodontal tips on the market in autumn 2016. Which of the new tips do you particularly enjoy working with?

Maria Semmler: When treating normal prophylaxis cases, I work almost exclusively with the 1P tip, because it has a wide range of uses. Its long and thin tip allows you to reach every nook and cranny, particularly in the interdental spaces. I use the curved 3Pr and 3Pl tips, for example, for periodontal treatments when I have more time available. They allow me to perform optimal cleaning even when the tooth surfaces are difficult to reach.

Do you have a favourite tip for prophylaxis?

Maria Semmler: My favourite tip is the 1P, because it really is multi-talented. You can use the tip anywhere, both above and below the gum line. The new tips from W&H facilitate my work enormously and I don’t have to finish the treatment off with manual instruments as much anymore.

What is your personal assessment of the Tigon+ and the W&H tip range?

Maria Semmler: The Tigon+ and the easy-to-use display allow me to customize the way I work. I can regulate the intensity and water supply perfectly at the touch of a button during the treatment and adapt them to the tip being used. As already mentioned, the LED illumination on the Tigon+ handpiece is a great help. The W&H tip range is perfectly coordinated to the device. As such, I can offer my patients atraumatic treatment and optimal working results at the same time. I am very happy with the Tigon+ from W&H and it is an integral part of my day-to-day work in the practice.