Tartar, also known as calculus, represents hardened plaque that has accumulated on tooth surfaces. This calcified deposit forms when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, minerals, and food particles, remains on teeth and absorbs minerals from saliva. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed through routine brushing or flossing at home. Its presence necessitates professional dental intervention for effective removal.
Specialized Dental Instruments
Dentists employ a range of specialized instruments to effectively remove tartar from tooth surfaces. Manual scalers are primary tools for precise removal of hardened deposits. These instruments have thin, sharp working ends shaped to access various tooth contours, allowing dentists to scrape away tartar. Different types exist, such as sickle scalers for above the gum line (supragingival), and curettes for below the gum line (subgingival) and root surfaces.
Ultrasonic scalers are highly efficient tools for tartar removal. They use high-frequency vibrations (25,000-40,000 cycles per second) to dislodge tartar. A fine water mist simultaneously sprays from the tip, cooling the instrument, flushing debris, and irrigating the treatment area. This combination efficiently removes stubborn tartar deposits and provides a more comfortable experience than manual scaling alone.
After tartar removal, dentists use polishing tools to smooth tooth surfaces. This involves a rotary handpiece with a soft rubber cup holding a mild abrasive paste. Polishing removes remaining surface stains and creates a smooth tooth surface, making it harder for new plaque and tartar to adhere. This step contributes to both the appearance and health of the teeth.
The Professional Cleaning Procedure
A professional dental cleaning begins with an examination and assessment of oral health. The professional inspects teeth and gums for plaque, tartar, and gum inflammation. This assessment guides the cleaning process.
Scaling is the main phase, where the professional removes tartar from all tooth surfaces. Both manual and ultrasonic scalers are used. Ultrasonic scalers often precede manual instruments, efficiently tackling larger deposits. Manual scalers then fine-tune and reach missed areas, ensuring thorough calculus removal.
After scaling, teeth undergo polishing. This uses a rotary polishing tool with a specialized paste to smooth surfaces. Polishing removes surface stains, enhancing appearance, and creates a surface less hospitable for plaque, slowing future tartar formation. A fluoride application may follow, strengthening enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks, providing protection against cavities.
The Importance of Tartar Removal
Professional tartar removal maintains oral health and prevents dental problems. Untreated tartar creates a rough surface, ideal for bacteria. This bacterial accumulation leads to gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis breaks down tissues and bone supporting teeth, leading to loosening and tooth loss. Tartar also contributes to cavities as trapped bacteria produce acids that erode enamel.
Beyond serious health implications, tartar causes other issues. Its rough surface and harbored bacteria contribute to bad breath (halitosis). Some may experience increased tooth sensitivity, especially if it exposes tooth root areas. Regular professional cleanings prevent these issues by removing tartar before significant damage occurs.
Home Care Limitations
Once plaque hardens into tartar, it firmly attaches to tooth surfaces and cannot be safely removed at home. Brushing and flossing remove plaque, but lack the power to dislodge calcified tartar. Over-the-counter products can reduce plaque formation, but cannot remove existing tartar.
Attempting home tartar removal with sharp objects, abrasives, or unverified methods carries significant risks. Such attempts can cause irreversible enamel damage, leading to increased sensitivity and cavities. There is also risk of injuring gums, causing cuts, bleeding, or introducing infection-causing bacteria. Only dental professionals have the training, instruments, and controlled environment to safely remove tartar without harming oral tissues.