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Dr. Alan Slootsky D.M.D, M.A.G.D., F.A.C.D. Restorative Dentistry / Oral Health February 28, 2016 |
Debridement is the removal of a large amount of plaque and tartar from around the teeth. This is most commonly 
done when someone has a heavy amount of plaque and tartar build-up in their mouth. A build-up of plaque and tartar generally occurs when one has not visited the dentist in a long time. Plaque can get into spaces that only a dentist can remove. When the plaque and tartar is really heavy, your dentist may not even be able to see the teeth to examine them. The build-up will need to be removed through debridement.
Before debridement starts a numbing agent may be applied to the gums or an injection of a local anesthetic could be given in order to lessen any pain that might be felt for people who are very sensitive to pain. The debridement procedure is done using hand held dental instruments or an ultrasonic device. An ultrasonic tool uses water and high-frequency vibrations to dislodge hard to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth.
Debridement is typically the first stage of periodontal treatment regimen. Once all the plaque is removed your dentist will examine the teeth more thoroughly and then recommend further treatment based on how the teeth look. This can include a simple cleaning, scaling, root planning or even gum surgery.
As with any procedure there can be some risks. If you already have inflamed gums they will probably bleed during the procedure. The gums will also feel sore afterwards. Sometimes the teeth can become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures for a bit. This happens when the removal of plaque and tartar exposes the roots of the tooth. You should call your dentist or doctor if:
- Bleeding in the mouth does not stop.
- There is excessive swelling or discharge in the area of debridement.
- The lymph nodes beneath the lower jaw or in the neck become swollen.
Debridement
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For further information about this topic, or any other dental topic, contact Dr Slootsky at info@drslootsky.com, or call 954-972-1000. Dr. Alan Slootsky is a dentist in Pompano Beach, Florida dedicated to bringing patients state-of-the-art dental care. As a cosmetic, family andrestorative dentist, he helps patients enjoy a natural and healthy smile. Dr. Slootsky has integrated a friendly, hands-on gentle approach with highly accurate and patient-sensitive technologies and tools to both identify and resolve problems in a timely and efficient manner. We know most people don’t like to visit the dentist. That’s why we make every effort to make your experience both as effective and as pleasant as possible.