Dental debridement is a more extensive teeth cleaning regimen that is meant to remove excessive tartar and plaque build-up. This procedure, carried out by a dentist or dental hygienist, is usually necessary when people have been extremely negligent in their home dental care and have not had regular dental cleanings. When dental care has been extremely lax, debridement may also be necessary in order for a dentist to make a complete evaluation of tooth decay and the health of the teeth. Taking about one to two hours, this procedure uses a scaler and an ultrasonic water tool to erode away the tartar and plaque. Many people undergoing this dental procedure will receive local anesthetic or sedation.
The first step in dental debridement is to remove as much of the plaque and tartar as possible using a scraping tool, called a scaler. Following the scaling, the teeth are then further cleaned using a high-powered water and ultrasonic tool which flushes away the loosened superficial grime. Sometimes, the teeth will be scaled again if the water tool leaves behind visible plaque. The procedure can take from one to two hours depending on how delinquent the tooth care has been.
Following the dental debridement, the patient is provided with detailed instructions on how to establish good home care and is usually asked to return to the office in one week for a complete dental evaluation. Once the teeth and gums have recovered from the debridement, the true health of the teeth and tissue can be evaluated. Some patients will need periodontal treatments, further scaling or even a root planning to fully restore the health of the teeth.
During this dental procedure, the tartar and plaque will need to be completely removed from the gum line. This can cause irritation, mild lingering pain and could lead to an infection along the gum. The dentist should be contacted if the patient observes any signs of infection including, swelling, excessive pain in the gums or a fever. The teeth may also have a temporary sensitivity to hot and cold following the dental debridement procedure. This sensitivity can be alleviated by using desensitizing toothpaste.
Sedation is often recommended, for several reasons, for people undergoing dental debridement. One of the main reasons patients neglect their teeth is due to a fear of the dentist. Sedation can help alleviate this anxiety. This procedure is also often uncomfortable and tedious. Dental sedation or local anesthetic can make this procedure easier on the patient and ensure the procedure can be thoroughly completed.