Periodontal debridement is a procedure to remove deposits, such as calculus, from the tooth. This is important because when there are deposits on the teeth, the dentist or hygienist cannot thoroughly or effectively assess the patient for decay, infections, or disease. Also, calculus can harbor harmful bacteria that can cause disease and it also irritates the gingiva. There are many methods of removal of these deposits to provide relief and treatment for a patient. Acquired pellicle is an acellular, bacteria-free film that is composed of salivary glycoproteins. This forms on teeth immediately after eruption for professional cleaning. The bacteria within the oral cavity begin to stick to the acquired pellicle and form plaque. Plaque is a sticky
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Hand instruments include anterior and posterior scalers, curettes, and gracey’s. These instruments include either one or two cutting surfaces, depending on the instrument, that allow the dental professional to remove deposits. An ultrasonic scaler is an example of a powered instrument that could be used to remove deposits on the tooth such as plaque and calculus. Either option can be used to remove deposits, but the powered instruments may be helpful when the calculus is more tenacious. One factor that could cause the calculus to be more tenacious is smoking. If you have a patient that smokes it may be necessary for you to use the ultrasonic scaler. The ultrasonic scaler works by a combination of water and vibrations to removed deposits for the tooth surface. Regardless of the instrument used, it is essential to remove all deposits from the oral cavity to promote heath and halt any disease progression. Plaque also needs to be removed from the tooth surface. This can be done by either the patient or the dental professional. The patient can actually brush off supragingival plaque with their toothbrush or remove plaque from between the teeth by flossing. The dental professional can remove plaque with the use of instruments or by polishing it off with a headpiece and prophy
Hand instruments include anterior and posterior scalers, curettes, and gracey’s. These instruments include either one or two cutting surfaces, depending on the instrument, that allow the dental professional to remove deposits. An ultrasonic scaler is an example of a powered instrument that could be used to remove deposits on the tooth such as plaque and calculus. Either option can be used to remove deposits, but the powered instruments may be helpful when the calculus is more tenacious. One factor that could cause the calculus to be more tenacious is smoking. If you have a patient that smokes it may be necessary for you to use the ultrasonic scaler. The ultrasonic scaler works by a combination of water and vibrations to removed deposits for the tooth surface. Regardless of the instrument used, it is essential to remove all deposits from the oral cavity to promote heath and halt any disease progression. Plaque also needs to be removed from the tooth surface. This can be done by either the patient or the dental professional. The patient can actually brush off supragingival plaque with their toothbrush or remove plaque from between the teeth by flossing. The dental professional can remove plaque with the use of instruments or by polishing it off with a headpiece and prophy