Sir, further to G. Balfry's letter on pacemakers and ultrasonic scalers (BDJ 2005; 199: 625), I have recently seen two patients who have had pacemakers inserted. Both had been given cards with the details of the manufacturer and type of pacemakers inserted. A Google search produced the manufacturer's web address. I sent an email to the company stating that I would like to use an ultrasonic scaler (type specified) on a patient, provided it did not interfere with the function of the pacemaker. From the email response received, ultrasonic scaling can be used on these patients. The email correspondence also forms part of the patient's record.

Until a list of pacemakers is available, it would be advisable to email the pacemaker company on a patient specific basis and follow their advice on the use of an ultrasonic scaler. I think the long standing advice not to use an ultrasonic scaler on a patient with a pacemaker is no longer valid and should be reviewed on a patient specific basis.