While debridement sounds like a term more closely related to weddings and matrimony, it is a dental procedure involving powerful cleaning. Most of us have heard of plaque buildup and tartar, and when we go to the dentist, the dental hygienist can typically remove this for us. Everyone has plaque, and it is a perfectly natural substance that occurs on your teeth. However, if you haven’t had a cleaning in a long time, the dentist may also recommend debridement. If you have never heard of debridement, you are not alone. There is no reason to be nervous, and there is very little discomfort involved.
What is Debridement in Dentistry?
For those already nervous at the dentist, new terms may make them feel anxious. Needing a debridement procedure is no reason to be fearful. If you are suffering from hard-to-remove buildup, it is a necessary procedure to restore the health of your teeth and gums. This will help you achieve the oral health you need to smile confidently! Once your debridement is complete, your dentist is able to properly assess your teeth as they can now being see behind the buildup. Much like pulling weeds in a garden, debridement allows the dentist to see what flowers (i.e. teeth, gums, and bones) need attending. Debridement therefor allows the teeth and gums to be properly treated, which is where good oral health begins.
What You Can Expect if You Need Debridement
If you need debridement, understand that it is a more intense cleaning than a regular prophy and is required when there is a significant buildup. This buildup of plaque may grow above and underneath the gums, and between the teeth. Thankfully, this can be eliminated. Dentists use an ultrasonic tool first to help break up food debris and plaque buildup. Once that has been broken down it is easy to use a scaling tool to remove and clean. For many patients, after having a deep cleaning, they desire to keep their results and will schedule regular cleanings with their dental team and pay attention to their homecare. Prevention is the most important goal going forward, and one that can be easily achieved.
How to Prevent Buildup
One of the most important ways of preventing buildup is proper daily cleaning. A fantastic place to start is with proper brushing and a mouth rinse. The CTx7 Kit is a great solution to see and feel the results of not only daily care but also contains innovative technology that helps fight buildup and maintain long-term oral health.
Another important preventive treatment is regular dental checkups where a hygienist can give a thorough cleaning by hand. These two things will make future dental visits much easier and less invasive. Regular daily cleaning will prevent further procedures relating to buildup, much like the saying an apple a day will keep the doctor away. Here, however, we need regular dental check-ups to keep more intensive cleanings away. The results are well worth the effort.
Aftercare Needs
After debridement, your gums may be slightly sensitive. This is very common and nothing concerning. If you have concerns or are experiencing soreness, ask your dentist about common pain relievers. The incredible news is following debridement: the teeth and gums will be sparkling and clean and in outstanding condition to maintain. Once they are restored to health, as long as you are committed to brushing twice daily and revisiting the dentist at recommended intervals, you can avoid further debridement. This means the risk for cavities and systemic conditions linked to poor oral health such as heart disease are minimized, which is something both patients and dentists can both celebrate at the end of the day.
