717 Newfield St. Middletown, CT 06457
Full Mouth Debridement in Middletown, CT
Dental care is often postponed due to other responsibilities, which should be avoided. If you haven't had professional teeth cleaning in a long time, there may be a significant buildup of plaque and tartar.
This buildup can make it difficult for a dentist to examine the hard and soft tissues in your mouth, which can hinder their ability to fully assess your dental health. In such cases, a full mouth debridement may be recommended.
A full mouth debridement (FMD) is a non-surgical procedure performed by a dentist or dental specialist, such as a periodontist. It helps remove extensive plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and beneath your gums.
Continue reading to learn more about the full mouth debridement procedure and the distinctions between FMD and other dental procedures you may require.
How do I get a full mouth debridement?
- Local anesthetic may be used by your dentist to numb areas of your mouth, depending on the amount of tartar buildup under the gum line and your personal sensitivity level.
- To remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, your dentist will utilize hand-held instruments or an ultrasonic device that employs vibrations and water to effectively clean your teeth.
- In addition to cleaning, your dentist may also perform teeth polishing or suggest further treatments for enhanced cleaning.
What happens after a full mouth debridement?
A full mouth debridement typically takes around an hour to complete. In some cases, this procedure may be divided into multiple appointments, spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart.
The second full mouth debridement is known as a prophylaxis procedure. During this procedure, additional cleaning of plaque and calculus will be performed, and your teeth may be polished.
A follow-up appointment is always necessary after a full mouth debridement to allow your dentist to thoroughly examine your mouth. X-rays will be taken to check for cavities and assess any damage to your teeth and the area below the gum line.
The purpose of this appointment is to determine if your mouth is now in a healthy condition. Your dentist may recommend maintaining good dental hygiene at home and returning for dental cleanings every six months.
Your dentist may also suggest a scaling and root planing procedure to further clean your gums and teeth. In some cases, a more invasive surgical procedure called flap surgery may be needed to close large periodontal pockets.
If any of your teeth cannot be saved, a tooth extraction may be scheduled.