Dental debridement is the process of carefully removing hardened plaque (tartar) and soft plaque buildup from the teeth and along the gumline. Unlike a routine dental cleaning, debridement is often recommended for patients who have gone an extended period without dental care or have advanced buildup that cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing.

Plaque is a sticky film made up of food particles, bacteria, and saliva. When plaque hardens into tartar, it cannot be removed through a traditional cleaning and must be professionally cleaned to protect your gums and teeth.