Importance and Benefits of Debridement
- Removes plaque and calculus buildup
- Reduces risk of periodontal disease
- Helps maintain healthy gums
- Improves oral hygiene
- Prevents bad breath
- Prevents gum disease
- Reduces risk of tooth loss
- Improves overall oral health
- Enhances the effectiveness of other dental treatments
- Promotes a brighter smile

Types of Debridement
- Scaling: removes plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces
- Root planing: smooths the root surface to prevent bacteria buildup
- Curettage: removes infected tissue from periodontal pockets
- Ultrasonic debridement: uses high-frequency sound waves to remove plaque and calculus
- Air polishing: uses a jet of air and abrasive particles to remove stains and plaque

Tools and Techniques for Debridement
- Hand scalers: metal instruments used to manually remove plaque and calculus
- Ultrasonic scalers: use vibrations to break up plaque and calculus
- Dental lasers: can be used for precise debridement and disinfection
- Air abrasion: uses a stream of abrasive particles to remove plaque and stains
- Subgingival irrigation: flushes out bacteria from periodontal pockets

Considerations for Debridement
- Frequency: depends on individual needs, but usually recommended every 6 months
- Pain: local anesthesia may be used to minimize discomfort during debridement
- Cost: debridement may be covered by dental insurance, but varies
- Aftercare: proper oral hygiene at home is crucial to maintain results of debridement
- Professional guidance: consult with a dental professional for personalised debridement recommendations

Related Procedures and Factors
- Periodontal therapy
- Tooth cleaning and polishing
- Oral hygiene practices (brushing, interproximal cleaning)
- Smoking as a risk factor for periodontal pockets and delayed healing
- Surgical periodontal therapy if non-surgical therapy is not effective