Teeth Cleaning

Tartar is a mass (calcification) that is formed when plaque combines with calcium and phosphorus contained in saliva. When you scratch your teeth with your fingernails, a white, sticky substance appears. This is plaque.

Plaque is not food debris or dental plaque, but a mass of bacteria. If left untreated, the plaque that has built up between the teeth and around the gums will begin to calcify in about two days and eventually turn into hard "tartar." Plaque can be removed by brushing your teeth, but tartar is harder and stronger than plaque and cannot be removed.

If you leave tartar on your teeth...

Tartar itself is not harmful or toxic, but plaque adheres to the rough surface of tartar, making it easier for cavities and periodontal disease to develop. Most people have tartar and are said to have periodontitis.

If you have periodontitis, it can progress to periodontal disease due to aging or stress. Many people only go to the dentist after they have cavities or other problems, but even if you don't have any dental problems, it's important to visit the dentist regularly to have tartar removed.

For those who are worried about the pain of tartar removal

Depending on the progression of your periodontal disease and the condition of your tartar, you may feel pain during removal. We can administer anesthesia before removing the tartar, so please consult us if you are worried about pain.

The procedure for tartar removal treatment at our clinic

① Inspection

We will measure the presence or absence of bleeding, the degree of tooth looseness, and periodontal pockets, and conduct a detailed examination to see the progression of periodontal disease and the amount of tartar buildup.

②Remove tartar

There are two main methods for removing tartar.

• We use a special device called
  an ultrasonic scaler that uses sonic vibrations to remove tartar. The unique sound breaks up the tartar into pieces, while at the same time spraying cool water to wash it away.
• The plaque is manually
  removed using a sickle-shaped, pointed instrument called a "scaler."

③Maintenance

If you continue to brush your teeth carefully, the swelling, bleeding, and pain caused by removing plaque will decrease. Use floss or interdental brushes to carefully remove plaque.

Prevent periodontal disease by having your teeth and gums checked regularly.