Full-mouth debridement for gum disease is a comprehensive oral health procedure aimed at thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums to prevent, halt or manage the progression of periodontal disease. Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to severe dental problems, including tooth loss and infection, and can even affect overall health by contributing to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Full-mouth debridement is especially beneficial for patients who have not had regular professional cleanings and therefore have heavy build-ups of plaque and tartar that cannot be removed with standard cleaning techniques.
This procedure involves the meticulous removal of plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacterial toxins from above and below the gum line, covering all the teeth in the mouth. It is more intensive than a regular cleaning and is designed to combat the bacteria responsible for gum disease. Our dentists and team use specialized tools to gently but effectively clear away the build-up that regular brushing, flossing and standard cleanings cannot tackle. This thorough cleaning process is crucial in creating a clean and smooth surface that discourages bacterial colonization and encourages the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth, reducing pocket depths.
For your comfort, a local anesthetic may be applied to numb the areas being treated, ensuring a pain-free experience. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, full-mouth debridement may be the first step in a series of periodontal treatments. Our dentists may recommend additional procedures, such as scaling and root planing or even surgical interventions, to fully address the disease and restore your oral health.
After the debridement procedure, our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you maintain the results and prevent the recurrence of gum disease. This may include specific oral hygiene practices, recommendations for dental products and scheduling regular follow-up appointments for monitoring and additional treatments if necessary.
Call today to learn more about full-mouth debridement in DeWitt and Stuttgart, Arkansas, and schedule your consultation with Dr. Randall Hestir, Dr. J. Doug Allen, Dr. John (Holt) Hestir or Dr. Catriona Oltmann.