Debridement: A Deeper Cleaning Procedure

Regular dental appointments usually include a thorough cleaning of your teeth. But sometimes that simply isn't enough, especially if you haven't visited our office in a long time.

We're always glad to have you back! But if your teeth have too much plaque and tartar on them, or if your gums are inflamed or bleeding, we may not be able to check thoroughly for decay or other problems. If this is the case, we may recommend debridement to remove the infection, to reduce your risk of escalating periodontal disease and to start you on your way back to better oral health.

Plaque and tartar buildup

Debridement is a deeper dental cleaning technique that removes thick layers of plaque (the sticky film of bacteria) and tartar (mineralized deposits) on your teeth. Too much plaque and tartar may form over time, especially if you do not use a toothbrush with soft bristles, do not brush long enough, or do not brush effectively with the bristles at the correct angle.

Too much plaque and tartar also may form because of certain medications or medical conditions. If you haven't had a dental cleaning in several years, or if you use tobacco, we may need to do a debridement procedure before we can do anything else.

Debridement process

If we recommend debridement, usually we will numb the area, to ensure that you are comfortable. Then we will use a handpiece, ultrasonic device, and water to efficiently remove the thick layers of plaque and tartar that have built up on your teeth, including the roots. By removing the bacterial infection from the pockets around your teeth, the surrounding tissues will have a better chance to heal.

This procedure may take longer than a regular dental cleaning. But once the debridement is completed, we will be able to make a better assessment of any additional treatment that your teeth and gums may require.

After the debridement, usually we will want to give your teeth and gums some time to start healing. We will want you to make another appointment so that we can thoroughly examine your teeth. We may need to use additional cleaning techniques (such as scaling and root planing), or we may provide instructions so that you can more effectively brush and maintain your teeth and gums. Debridement can be an important first step in helping you return to better oral health, especially if you haven't been to see us in years!