Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS
Reading time: four minutes.
Full mouth debridement is a dental procedure aimed to remove extensive plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums.
This treatment goes beyond a standard teeth cleaning. Patients who have not had regular dental visits or who suffer from periodontal disease may require this treatment.
In this blog, we will discuss what full mouth debridement is, who needs it, and the benefits of this procedure.
Table of Contents
- What Is Full Mouth Debridement?
- When and Why Is This Treatment Necessary?
- The Mouth Debridement Procedure
- Your Oral Health Specialists in Highlands Ranch
- FAQ About Full Mouth Debridement
Key Takeaway
Scaling and osseous surgery are two important treatments for gum disease, each serving a unique purpose. Scaling offers a non-surgical approach to halt early gum disease. Osseous surgery is necessary for more advanced cases to provide a deeper clean and promote tissue regeneration.
What Is Full Mouth Debridement?
Dental debridement involves the thorough cleaning of plaque and tartar from the entire mouth. This dental treatment targets severe plaque buildup that cannot be effectively addressed with standard dental cleanings.
Think of FMD like the spring-clean you do in your house once a year. You get into all the areas you don’t clean. You scrub the baseboards, clean the grout lines, dust the hard-to-reach places. It’s a lot of work! Every year you think, “I should do this twice a year so it’s not so hard!”
Regular dental cleanings are like the regular cleans you do in your house. It reduces your risk of developing cavities or gum disease because it removes the bacteria that causes these problems. When you don’t remove the plaque, it hardens into tartar which causes a whole host of problems!
Dental Cleaning VS Mouth Debridement
Regular teeth cleaning involves cleaning the tooth surfaces (the parts you can see) while FMD involves cleaning the tooth surface and below the gum line.
- Dental Cleaning: The hygienist uses a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and around the gum line. Then, they polish your teeth with a gritty toothpaste to remove surface stains and make them smooth.
- Mouth Debridement: The hygienist uses an ultrasonic device or electric scaler to remove excessive plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and below the gums. Once the plaque is removed, the health of your teeth and gums is better visualized and a treatment plan can be made.
When and Why Is This Treatment Necessary?
This treatment is necessary for individuals with significant dental issues, particularly those with:
- Periodontal disease: Patients with gum disease that has progressed to the point where standard teeth cleaning is insufficient.
- Heavy plaque and tartar buildup: People who have not maintained regular dental cleanings and exams, leading to the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
The Mouth Debridement Procedure
- Scaling: Your dental professional will use an ultrasonic device and specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from above and below your gumline.
- Root planing: This step involves smoothing out the root surfaces of your teeth to discourage future plaque and tartar buildup.
- Irrigation: Your mouth will be thoroughly rinsed to remove any remaining debris.
- Polishing: Your teeth will be polished to leave them feeling smooth and clean.
- Oral evaluation: Your dentist will examine your mouth to identify any dental issues that require additional treatment.
Benefits and Follow-up
- Improved dental health: This treatment helps to minimize the risk of tooth loss and gum disease.
- Proper oral hygiene: It will help you set the stage for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing future dental issues.
- Follow-up visits: You may need additional procedures and treatments based on the severity of the dental condition.
Your Oral Health Specialists in Highlands Ranch
Mouth debridement is an important dental procedure that will remove extensive plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gums, and prevent more severe dental issues.
If you are searching for a periodontist in Highlands Ranch or dental deep cleaning near me, visit us at Highlands Ranch Periodontics. Our team of experienced professionals can help you achieve optimal oral health and maintain a beautiful, confident smile.
Call (303) 683-1144 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.
FAQ About Full Mouth Debridement
Most patients can expect to experience some discomfort and sensitivity of gum tissue for a few days following the procedure. Your dental professional will recommend specific aftercare instructions to minimize discomfort and aid in the healing process. Full recovery typically takes about one to two weeks.
The procedure itself is generally not painful because local anesthesia is used to numb the area. However, it is common to experience some sensitivity and discomfort in your gums and teeth during and after the debridement.
Yes, you can brush your teeth, but it’s important to do so gently. Your dentist may provide you with specific guidelines on how to brush and floss properly to avoid irritating your gums. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.