Achieve a Healthy, Issue-free Smile with Debridement Services at Vital Dental
When your dentist tells you to brush and floss your teeth, it’s not for the sake of it. Failure to observe optimal hygiene causes numerous oral health problems, including periodontal disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease causes gingival recession, tooth loss, and other oral problems.
Vital Dental emphasizes prevention as the most effective way to keep your gums healthy and infection-free. However, when gum disease sneaks into your smile, we offer several procedures, including debridement, to restore your gum health. Please keep reading to learn more about debridement and why it’s necessary.
What is periodontal debridement?
Plaque, or oral biofilm, is a sticky, colorless substance that coats teeth. It is removable with brushing and flossing. However, when you fail to observe optimal oral hygiene, plaque hardens (calcifies) into tartar, which causes numerous oral health issues.Â
Plaque and tartar (dental calculus) can be addressed effectively with routine dental cleanings. However, these deposits can cause periodontal disease when you miss several dental cleanings. This gum inflammation causes gingival tissues to pull away (recede) from your teeth, causing deep periodontal pockets. These pockets attract more harmful bacteria and tartar, leading to serious dental problems.Â
When calcified deposits are deeply embedded in the periodontal pockets, the dentist must debride your roots to eliminate subgingival plaque and tartar. Periodontal debridement disrupts the unhealthy deposits to reduce infection and encourage the gums to heal.Â
What is the process of debridement?
This non-surgical procedure is more thorough than a standard cleaning, so the dentist administers local anesthetics for increased comfort. Depending on the severity of your infection, you may need more than one dental visit. The doctor treats each half of the mouth, allowing you to use the other half between treatments.
To debride your roots, the dentist uses a special manual or ultrasonic tool to break up calcified deposits so they can be removed and cleaned. After scaling, the dentist will polish the roots to create a smooth, healthy surface that allows gums to reattach to the teeth.Â
After the debridement procedure, you can expect mild bleeding, swelling, and tenderness. These discomforts are expected and will clear up in the next few days. However, the dentist will prescribe medications and recommend home remedies to manage pain and ensure an event-free recovery. We’ll also schedule follow-up treatments to reassess your treatment progress.Â
How can I avoid debridement?
Diligent oral hygiene practices can prevent root debridement. Since plaque and tartar buildup are why you may need debridement, keeping your mouth healthy by cleaning all your tooth surfaces and under the gum line can reduce the need for this procedure.Â
Avoid the need for root debridement by observing the following tips.
- Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Limit the intake of sugary foods
- Consider using an antibacterial mouthwash
- Quit tobacco products and keep your mouth hydrated
- Floss your teeth daily to prevent plaque buildup between teeth
- Routinely visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups
Do you need periodontal debridement?
Has it been a while since you last visited a dentist for routine cleanings? Do you suspect gum disease? Dr. Mitul Patel‘s debridement can help get your oral health back on track. Call (941) 371-2022 to reserve an appointment.
Before and After Treatment Images
This patient has not had a cleaning for a few years. There was a lot of build up and inflammation leading to unhealthy gums. Over time this will cause bone loss that can be irreversible. We were able to clean him up and get his gums healthy again!
Dr. Mitul Patel
Dr. Mitul Patel, D.M.D., is a dedicated dentist at Vital Dental Sarasota, known for his caring and gentle approach. With over 500 hours of continuing education, Dr. Patel's commitment to staying abreast of the latest dental advancements ensures his patients receive top-notch care. His meticulous attention to detail, aided by high magnification loupes, guarantees precision in every procedure. Dr. Patel's compassionate nature and expert knowledge make him a trusted figure in the dental community, providing an exceptional and reassuring experience for all his patients.
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