A dentist can remove hardened plaque, known as calculus or tartar, and this professional intervention is the only effective solution. Calculus is a rock-like deposit that adheres firmly to the tooth surface. Once plaque mineralizes into calculus, it is impossible to remove with standard at-home cleaning tools like a toothbrush or floss. A dental professional must use specialized instruments and techniques to safely break the bond between the calculus and the tooth enamel.
Understanding Calculus Formation
Calculus begins as dental plaque, a soft, sticky biofilm of bacteria, food debris, and saliva that constantly forms on the teeth. If this soft plaque is left undisturbed, it begins mineralization by absorbing ions present in saliva, primarily calcium and phosphate. These ions precipitate into crystalline salts, turning the soft bacterial film into a hard, cement-like deposit.
This calcification process can start quickly, sometimes within 48 hours, though it typically takes 10 to 12 days for the plaque to fully harden. The final substance is composed of 70% to 90% inorganic material, predominantly calcium phosphate. Calculus forms in two main areas: supragingival (above the gumline) and subgingival (below the gumline).
The composition varies by location. Supragingival deposits are mineralized by saliva, while subgingival deposits draw minerals from gingival crevicular fluid. The subgingival type is often darker and adheres more tenaciously to the tooth root surface. The rough, porous surface of calculus attracts and retains more soft plaque, perpetuating the cycle of buildup.
The Procedure for Professional Removal
The procedure used to remove calculus is generally referred to as scaling. When the treatment extends below the gumline, it becomes scaling and root planing (SRP), a more intensive deep cleaning. A dental hygienist, supervised by a dentist, typically performs this procedure, targeting deposits both above and below the gumline.
Dental professionals use a combination of tools for this task, including manual instruments like scalers and curettes. They also employ ultrasonic scaling devices, which are highly effective for removing heavy or stubborn calculus. These instruments use high-frequency vibrations to fracture the calculus, simultaneously spraying water (lavage) to flush away debris and cool the tooth surface.
The second part of the procedure is root planing, which involves smoothing the rough areas on the tooth root surfaces previously covered by calculus. This smoothing step makes it more difficult for new bacteria and plaque to adhere, encouraging the gum tissue to reattach cleanly to the tooth. For patient comfort, especially during deep cleaning, a local anesthetic is frequently administered to numb the gums and surrounding areas.
Why Removal Requires a Professional
Hardened calculus deposits are too firmly bonded to the tooth structure to be dislodged by any non-professional means, including brushing, flossing, or over-the-counter devices. The specialized instruments used by dental professionals are designed to access the microscopic crevices where calculus forms and safely break the mineral bond without damaging the enamel. Attempting to scrape off calculus at home can result in severe injury to the gums and irreversible damage to the tooth surface.
Ignoring the presence of calculus has serious consequences for oral health, as it is a major contributing factor to the progression of gum disease. The constant irritation from the rough surface and the bacteria it harbors leads to gingivitis, characterized by inflamed and bleeding gums. If left untreated, this progresses to periodontitis, where chronic inflammation triggers the breakdown of connective fibers and the alveolar bone that supports the teeth.
This destructive process results in the formation of deep periodontal pockets, gum recession, and the potential loss of teeth. Since subgingival calculus is hidden below the gumline, only professional probing and instrumentation can access and remove the deposits. This intervention halts the progression of bone loss and prevents the advanced stages of periodontal disease.