What is Dental Debridement?

Posted on 6/16/2025 by Thomas Mahar

Male dentist wearing protective gear conducting an oral check up on a female patient in a modern dental clinic.

Ever feel like your teeth could use a deep clean, even after brushing and flossing? That's where dental debridement comes in. It's a special type of cleaning that goes beyond your daily routine, removing built-up plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities and gum disease.

What is Plaque and Tartar?

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth from food particles and bacteria. If plaque isn't removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, also known as calculus. Tartar is much more difficult to remove than plaque and can only be done by a dental professional.

Why is Dental Debridement Important?

Dental debridement plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral care and preventing dental problems. By removing plaque and tartar, it helps to:

•	Prevent cavities: Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
•	Prevent gum disease: Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, causing inflammation and potentially leading to gum disease.
•	Improve the appearance of your teeth: Dental debridement can remove stains and discoloration, leaving your teeth looking brighter and healthier.
•	Prepare your teeth for other dental procedures: If you need fillings, crowns, or other dental work, dental debridement is often the first step to ensure a healthy foundation for the procedure.

What are the Different Types of Dental Debridement?

There are two main types of dental debridement:

•	Supragingival debridement: This removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line. It's typically done with specialized instruments like scalers and curettes.
•	Subgingival debridement: This removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, which is often necessary for treating gum disease. It may involve more specialized instruments and techniques.

What Happens During a Dental Debridement Procedure?

A dental debridement procedure typically involves the following steps:

1~	Examination: Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to assess the amount of plaque and tartar buildup.
2~	Cleaning: Using specialized instruments, your dentist will remove the plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line.
3~	Polishing: Your teeth will be polished to remove any remaining stains or rough surfaces.
4~	Fluoride treatment: Your dentist may apply fluoride to strengthen your tooth enamel and protect against cavities.

How Often Should I Get Dental Debridement?

The frequency of dental debridement depends on your individual needs and risk factors. Most people should get a professional cleaning at least twice a year. However, if you have a higher risk of developing dental problems, such as gum disease, you may need more frequent cleanings.

Conclusion

Dental debridement is an important part of maintaining good oral health. By removing plaque and tartar, it helps to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. If you're concerned about the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, talk to your dentist about whether dental debridement is right for you.

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Thomas F. Mahar, DDS
Dr. Mahar maintains a commitment to excellence in dentistry. He believes that each patient should receive the highest level of dental care and customer service.

Dr. Mahar has received advanced training in several areas of dentistry with an emphasis on aesthetic dentistry.

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Thomas F. Mahar, DDS
Mahar Dental

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Mahar Dental, 135 Sand Rd, North Syracuse, NY 13212 ~ (315) 766-2770 ~ mahardental.com ~ 7/17/2025 ~ Tags: dentist, dentist north syracuse ny, Thomas F Mahar DDS