If your dentist has recommended a dental debridement prior to your next cleaning and exam, you may be confused and maybe even a little bit nervous. After all, a debridement sounds a little bit scary and painful. The good news is, debridement isn’t scary or painful - and it’s certainly nothing to be afraid of. Here’s what you need to know about dental debridement. What Is Dental Debridement? Dental debridement is a process of removing excess plaque and tartar from the teeth. Dental debridement is not used for the average checkup. It is not used for the normal level of plaque most people accumulate every six to 12 months between checkups, but it is a useful procedure for more severe buildup that generally takes years to accumulate. Debridement is completed using special ultrasonic tools that clean and scale the teeth prior to a dental exam, so they are clean enough to be examined by the dentist during the actual dental examination. What Happens During Debridement? During a debridement, the exposed portion of the teeth that sits above the gumline is scraped with special tools used specifically for dental debridement procedures. During a debridement procedure, any parts of the teeth with buildup below the gumline are cleaned with ultrasonic tools that break up the tartar below the surface of the gums. Though it is generally well tolerated, the ultrasonic deep cleaning of the gums may cause some soreness and inflammation of the gums following the procedure. In severe cases where the plaque is particularly dense, the patient is sent home for their gums to heal and is asked to return in several weeks (anywhere from two to six weeks) for the regular cleaning and exam. In other cases, the patient may be able to have their exam on the same day, depending on the condition of the teeth and gums post-debridement. In the meantime, the patient must begin proper oral hygiene to maintain the cleaning and to prevent further buildup from accumulating on the teeth. Post exam, you should plan to visit Dr. George twice annually for your regular cleaning and exam, and continue brushing twice a day for two minutes at a time and flossing at least once a day. To learn more about dental debridement or to schedule an appointment with Dr. George, please call 724-220-2347.

Let’s face it: It can be hard to get away from the office to get to a dental exam. Plus, with so many adult Americans suffering from odontophobia (fear of the dentist), a lot of people simply don’t make it a priority. But what if you didn’t have to leave the office to get your dental exam? What if your dentist dropped by for a work-based house call and came to you? Well, the future is here and so is the dentist at a new startup that’s sending dentists to business offices to do in-office exams and cleanings for employees. The startup follows other oral health startups like those braces-by-mail companies. It offers dental exams and cleanings in the comfort of your own workplace, usually in an empty office or conference room. Great idea, right? Wrong! So, what’s the problem with in-office oral health? After all, it is a timesaver and would solve a big problem for many people. But there are bigger problems created by this type of dentistry. First of all, getting your teeth cleaned and scraped – something that can cause bleeding - is not something to do in a conference room where you just had a board meeting and celebrated Bob from HR’s 46th birthday. Dental offices are sterile environments that are cleaned thoroughly between patients. All materials used are either disposed of properly or sanitized properly. Most office conference rooms don’t have an autoclave sanitizer or proper disposal system for materials containing bodily fluids. Next, think about how your job makes you feel. Even if you love what you do, it can get stressful. Do you really want the stress and tension of being in the office added to the stress of being at the dentist? How can you relax if you spend your entire cleaning worrying about that big report that’s due in three hours? Most dental offices go the extra mile to make patients feel comfortable and relaxed during your visit. Finally, think about what may be required at your exam. Do you want your boss to see you in bitewings? Your HR person to hear you under nitrous oxide? Probably not. While in-office dentistry seems to have its heart in the right place, dentistry is one field that’s better left in-office: a dental office. To schedule an appointment with Dr. George, please call 724-220-2347.