Debridement of plaque & Tartar
What is a debridement?
A debridement is the elimination of excessive amounts of plaque and tartar from your teeth.
What is debridement used for?
If you are one of the people who have too much tartar and plaque on your teeth then you may want to go through a debridement. If you have not visited the dentist in several years then this treatment may be appropriate for you. If your dentist has to examine your teeth and there is too much tartar and plaque then you must go through a debridement procedure.
How do your prepare for a debridement procedure?
Those who are too sensitive to pain will need local anaesthesia for this procedure. Some people may need some form of sedation like nitrous oxide. Sedation may be necessary for those who have dental phobias in order to make them feel more comfortable.
How is debridement done?
Debridement is performed using a combination of hand instruments and ultrasonic devices. This ultrasonic device will use water and high frequency vibrations to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.
What are the follow-up procedures after debridement?
Debridement is normally done as the first stage of comprehensive periodontal treatment. When you complete debridement, your dentist will re-evaluate the appropriate course of therapy for your teeth. You may have to go through scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery.
What are the risks involved in debridement?
If your gums are inflamed then they could bleed during the procedure. In some cases, you will not notice that your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This will occur when the roots of your teeth have been exposed after the plaque and tartar have been removed. It is possible to get infected after debridement although it is very rare.
You should call your dentist if:
- there is bleeding that will not stop
- there is a possibility of infection
- there is excessive swelling or discharge from the area
- there are swollen lymph nodes in your lower jaw and in your neck