What is Scaling and Root Debridement?

Why has my oral health practitioner suggested it.
Root debridement, gum disease treatment, periodontitis treatment Tooth anatomy, tooth structure explanation, tooth structure diagram
Root Surface Debridement
Root surface debridement (Deep Cleans) differs from general every 6 month profressional check up and cleans. Root debridement like the name suggests involves cleaning the root of the tooth. This part of the tooth sits under the gums. Root debridement is required in patients who have periodontitis which is gum and bone disease. This level of cleaning is required to removed the bacteria that has reached the roots. The aim of doing this clean is to remove the bacteria under the gum and allow the gums to return to a healthy state. In most cases deep clean require numbing (Local Anaesthetic) given the sensitivity that can occur. After the clean the area is reviewed in 3 months this allows time for the gums to heal. During this time it is very important to have excellent home dental care to prevent bacteria from going back into the pockets. Depending on the original severity of the periodontitis, multiple deep cleans may be required.
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This page provides general information about dental topics. It does not contain all the known facts of this subject and is not intended to replace personal advice from your dentist. If your not sure about anything on this site, contact us or speak to your local oral health practitioner. Make sure you give your local oral health practitioner your complete medical history and dental history.

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A selection of the references used:
White, D.J. (1997), Dental calculus: recent insights into occurrence, formation, prevention, removal and oral health effects of supragingival and subgingival deposits. European Journal of Oral Sciences, 105: 508-522. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0722.1997.tb00238.x
Drisko, C. L. (2014). Periodontal debridement: still the treatment of choice. Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice, 14, 33-41.
Images adapted:
Adapted from free dental picture by authority dental" (CC BY 2.0) by Authority Dental

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