Brier Creek 984-477-0177 | North Raleigh 984-206-4242 | Knightdale 984-733-0330 Locations Appointments

What is Dental Debridement?

Posted on 6/2/2025 by Stansell Dentistry Associates

Mature woman with a confident smile, showcasing the results of cosmetic dentistry and rejuvenation treatments.

Dental debridement is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health. It's a fancy way of saying "deep cleaning," and it involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and gums. This helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

Think of it as a spring cleaning for your mouth!

Why is Dental Debridement Important?

Here are some of the benefits of dental debridement:

•	Prevents cavities and gum disease: Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to cavities and gum disease. Debridement removes these harmful substances, keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
•	Improves oral health: By removing bacteria and other debris, debridement helps to improve your overall oral health. This can lead to fresher breath, healthier gums, and a brighter smile.
•	Prepares teeth for restoration dentistry: If you need fillings, crowns, or other dental work, debridement is often necessary to prepare your teeth for these procedures. This ensures that the restoration will be successful and long-lasting.

What Happens During Dental Debridement?

During a dental debridement, your dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and gums. This may involve:

•	Scaling: This process uses ultrasonic instruments to remove tartar and plaque from above and below the gum line.
•	Root planing: This process smooths out the rough surfaces of your tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to adhere.
•	Polishing: This final step removes any remaining debris and polishes your teeth, leaving them smooth and clean.

Who Needs Dental Debridement?

Everyone can benefit from dental debridement. However, it is especially important for people who:

•	Have a history of cavities or gum disease.
•	Smoke or use tobacco products.
•	Have diabetes or other chronic health conditions.
•	Don't practice good oral hygiene habits.

How Often Should You Get Dental Debridement?

The frequency of your dental debridement will depend on your individual needs. Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your oral health and risk factors. Generally speaking, most people should have dental debridement at least twice a year.

Taking Care of Your Oral Health

Dental debridement is an important part of maintaining good oral health, but it's not the only thing you can do. Here are some additional tips:

•	Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
•	Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth.
•	Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria.
•	Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary drinks.
•	Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

By following these tips, you can keep your mouth healthy and avoid the need for more extensive dental procedures.

Locations & Hours

Brier Creek

9400 Brier Creek Parkway, Ste 204
Raleigh, NC 27617-4879

Phone: 984-477-0177
Fax: 919-249-1375

Office Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm
Tues: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thur: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm

North Raleigh

1911 Falls Valley Drive, Ste 107
Raleigh, NC 27615

Phone: 984-206-4242
Fax: 919-249-2145

Office Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm
Tues: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thur: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Knightdale

1101 Great Falls Ct, Ste 102
Knightdale, NC 27545

Phone: 984-733-0330
Fax: 919-415-1849

Office Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm
Tues: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thur: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Dentist Raleigh, NC • About Stansell Dentistry Associates
Providing family dentistry for adults and children of all ages, utilizing the latest dental technologies to exceed all of your expectations. Call today!
Stansell Dentistry Associates, 9400 Brier Creek Parkway, Ste 204, Raleigh, NC 27617-4879 - 984-477-0177 - stanselldentistry.com - 6/13/2025 - Related Phrases: dentist Raleigh NC -