What To Expect From A Full-Mouth Debridement
When it comes to your teeth, it is hoped that they will last you a lifetime. However, without regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleaning, chances are you will experience some sort of dental drama along the way. Plaque is the major enemy of your teeth, and as someone who has been told by their periodontist that you need a full-mouth debridement, you are a little nervous about what lies ahead. This debridement rundown explains what your dentist plans to do and the reasons why.
All About Plaque
Plaque is a sneaky thing because it doesn't suddenly appear on your teeth one day. Instead, it builds up a little at a time on the base of your teeth. If you brush your teeth every day and also have an annual checkup and clean with your dentist, then plaque does not get a chance to take hold and become an issue. But, if you miss doing either of these two preventative actions, then plaque becomes stubborn and difficult to remove. If plaque is not removed, then it begins to eat through the enamel of your teeth, and this creates both cavities and overall dental decay.
Full-Mouth Debridement
A full-mouth debridement is a process a periodontist uses to remove all the plaque which has built up in your mouth. The process is more intense than the annual cleaning because the plaque has hardened and is stubborn to remove. Debridement takes longer than an annual clean and the process may be spread out over two or three appointments to save you the discomfort of having your mouth open for a long period of time.
During the debridement plaque removal, your periodontist uses a combination of ultrasonic vibrations and traditional descaling tools. The ultrasonic vibration equipment breaks up and loosens both the plaque that you can see on your teeth and also the plaque which is hidden under the gum surface. Once the plaque is loosened, then it is picked away using descaling tools.
A debridement process is not one to be afraid of. It will be done over a number of sessions to reduce the strain on your mouth, and pain relievers such as numbing injections will be used to reduce any discomfort you may feel. However, it is a critical process to have done so that your teeth do not sustain permanent damage from the plaque. Therefore, when a periodontist makes a recommendation that you have this process done, then it is best to book in and start the procedure as soon as possible.
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