Periodontal tartarectomy and caring for your gums

Introduction

There are many ways to keep your gums healthy and free of calculus, which start at home with simple care through tooth brushing and continue in the clinic with the help of the dentist and tartarectomies, commonly called dental cleanings.

Dental cleanings are routine procedures performed daily in millions of dental clinics and are one of the best ways to prevent both periodontal disease and gingivitis and cavities.

In this article, we will explain what a scale is, how it is done and what benefits it offers for your periodontal health.

What is a tartarectomy?

Tartrectomy is a periodontal procedure that consists of removing the calculus that forms around the teeth and restorations through the use of special instruments designed for this purpose.

A transparent film called biofilm forms around the teeth, which is commonly known as plaque. This thin film is made up of a mixture of organic and inorganic elements such as microorganisms, proteins and water. At first, the biofilm seems harmless as it does not cause discomfort and is soft and easy to remove, requiring only a toothbrush to remove it and leave teeth clean.

However, there are areas of the mouth where proper brushing can be difficult, leaving traces of biofilm. When this occurs, the minerals present in the saliva are absorbed by the biofilm, creating a hard, calcified matrix known as a calculus.

Unlike biofilm, calculus adheres strongly to the tooth, and can only be removed through a scalerectomy. Otherwise, the calculus will induce inflammation of the gums and, consequently, periodontal disease.

How is a tartarectomy done?

There are two conventional ways to perform a scaling or dental cleaning:

Handbook:

It is done using instruments called tartrectomes and curettes. These have a handle to grab them and small sharp edges on both ends to remove the stone.

Each tartrectome has a different shape, since they are designed to be used in specific areas. In this way it is easier to remove the calculus, since the tips adapt to the anatomy of the tooth and the portion where they will be used.

To remove the calculus, the tip of the tartarectomy is placed directly on it and pulling movements are made to separate it from the tooth.

Ultrasonic:

This technique is executed through the use of special instruments that vibrate at high speed, the most common being the dental scaler or ultrasound.

Like scalers and curettes, ultrasound equipment has tips with different shapes to work in certain areas.

Thanks to the vibration of the tip of ultrasonic instruments, the dentist can remove the calculus more quickly and easily, shortening the working time. However, some patients may feel a slight sensitivity from the strong vibration.

Although the ultrasonic technique is effective and modern, on many occasions the dentist uses both techniques in combination to achieve the best possible result, starting with ultrasound and ending with the manual technique to remove remnants of calculus that remain between the teeth where they do not exist. reaches the tip of the ultrasound.

Tartrectomy is a fundamental technique in dentistry, used to remove dental calculus and prevent periodontal disease. This procedure is the best way to maintain good oral hygiene, as it makes sure that there are no elements that inflame the gums or help the development of cavities.

Whether using a manual, ultrasonic technique, or a combination of both, scaling ensures that your gums remain strong and healthy.