Dental tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened dental plaque that requires professional intervention. This substance forms when minerals, primarily calcium phosphate salts, precipitate from saliva and bond strongly to the tooth surface. Because of this mineralization, tartar cannot be removed by at-home brushing or flossing alone. Its rough, porous nature encourages further plaque accumulation, which can compromise gum health and lead to periodontal disease. Specialized tools are necessary for dental hygienists and dentists to safely and effectively remove this buildup.
High-Frequency Ultrasonic Tools
The initial removal of substantial tartar deposits is accomplished using high-frequency ultrasonic scalers. These power-driven instruments convert electrical energy into rapid mechanical vibrations at the scaler tip. The tip oscillates at ultrasonic frequencies, generating micro-shocks that fracture the crystalline structure of the calculus.
A continuous stream of water, known as lavage, is delivered simultaneously to the tip during operation. This water cools the rapidly vibrating tip and flushes away dislodged fragments of calculus and bacteria. The ultrasonic waves also cause cavitation, where tiny bubbles collapse and create shockwaves that help disrupt bacterial biofilms and debris.
Hand Instruments for Detailed Cleaning
Manual hand instruments are indispensable for the final, detailed removal of deposits, even after ultrasonic scaling. These tools provide the precision and tactile sensitivity needed to smooth the root surface and access areas the powered tip cannot reach. The two main categories are scalers and curettes, each designed for specific areas of the mouth.
Sickle scalers have a pointed tip and a triangular cross-section, making them suitable for removing tartar above the gumline (supragingival calculus). Curettes feature a rounded toe and a semicircular cross-section, engineered for working beneath the gumline (subgingivally). The rounded toe prevents damage to delicate gum tissues when maneuvering into the periodontal pocket. Curettes are also used for root planing, which smooths the root surface to reduce areas where bacteria can adhere.
Final Steps: Polishing and Prevention
After calculus removal using scaling methods, the final steps focus on surface finishing and fortifying the teeth against future buildup. Polishing is performed using a slow-speed handpiece fitted with a soft rubber cup holding an abrasive prophylaxis paste. This paste gently removes residual plaque, microscopic roughness, and extrinsic stains. The goal of polishing is to create an exceptionally smooth enamel surface, making it harder for new plaque and bacteria to adhere.
The final preventive measure is the application of a concentrated fluoride treatment, often as a varnish, gel, or foam. Professional fluoride treatments deliver a higher concentration of the mineral than is available in at-home products. This application helps remineralize weakened enamel and strengthens the tooth’s resistance to acid attacks from oral bacteria.