Calculus Removal Process
Now that you know what dental calculus is and why it's essential to remove it, there's only one thing to reveal: How can you remove tartar?
The first thing to know: You can't remove it at home. You can use tartar-control toothpaste to prevent it. You can remove the plaque that develops into tartar with proper oral hygiene. But, alas, you can't remove the hardened calculus yourself.
Once calculus collects on your teeth, you'll need a dental professional's expertise and equipment. Debridement is the name of the process to remove both supragingival and subgingival calculus as such:
- A dental hygienist will use either hand-held instruments or an ultrasonic device to remove the tartar.
- The ultrasonic device incorporates a combination of high-frequency vibrations with water to extricate the tartar.
After the debridement procedure, you'll schedule a follow-up visit, at which your dental professional will determine if further treatment is necessary. That could come in the form of scaling and root planing. Or, in more severe cases of calculus accumulation, you might need gum surgery. We know you don't want to let tartar and plaque buildup go that far.
Now that you're a calculus expert, you know preventing calcified plaque - aka tartar - is key to building a solid oral care foundation. Start with brushing at least twice a day combined with cleaning between your teeth daily (floss, interdental brushes, water flosser). And don't forget regular dental visits. If calculus is caught early, it'll be no mystery as to why your teeth are healthy and your smile is bright.