In the medical and dental industries, there are many words that sound strange and frightening, when they are actually describing procedures that are safe and simple. For example, the word debridement might suggest a horrible procedure, however, debridement is not something to be afraid of. Let us discuss what is debridement and why it is sometimes required for good oral health.
When Debridement is Needed
We all know that a good oral hygiene routine is important to our oral health. Brushing at least twice daily, along with daily flossing, helps prevent oral bacteria from getting out of control. Nevertheless, bacteria can start hard tartar buildup on our teeth and gums in as little as twenty minutes after eating. Tartar is harder to remove and irritates the gums, leading to gum disease, gum recession, and worse. Your toothbrush can deal with plaque, but tartar requires dental instruments to remove. If you have lots of tartar, both above and below the gums, debridement is the process that removes the tartar.
According to the ADA (American Dental Association), dental debridement removes subgingival (below the gumline) and/or supragingival (above the gumline) plaque and calculus (another term for tartar). When teeth reach a condition requiring debridement, additional issues like cavities or loose teeth may exist and need proper attention too. Clearing away plaque, tartar, and debris allows gums to reattach to clean, smooth tooth surfaces, reducing gum pocket size and eliminating spaces where bacteria, food, and plaque hide.
The Debridement Process
Debridement ranges from straightforward to complex, depending on the extent of the tartar buildup. For mild cases, the procedure is similar to a standard dental cleaning, involving the use of ultrasonic and manual scaling tools to remove tartar deposits. For severe buildup, especially when tartar extends deep below the gumline, the procedure becomes more intensive. Multiple appointments may be needed to maintain patient comfort. While not typically painful, our Yuba City dentists ensure patient comfort using numbing agents or anesthesia for more advanced cases of tartar buildup. Debridement is a crucial first step to restore oral health when significant buildup prevents proper cleaning.
After Debridement
After completing a deep cleaning with debridement, our dentists inspect teeth and gums and address any other issues hidden by the masses of tartar. Some tenderness or discomfort in the gums may follow the procedure. Depending on the severity of the gum disease, we might prescribe a strong mouthwash to support gum recovery or suggest tri-annual dental cleanings. Maintaining regular oral hygiene following the procedure ensures that your experience with debridement is a one-time event. If you have questions about plaque, tartar buildup, or debridement, contact our office or schedule an appointment with us at the Yuba City Dentistry Group.
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