Can Dentist Remove Tartar – Dentist in Spring Texas
Yes, a dentist is well suited to remove tartar. In fact, only a dentist and dental hygienist are qualified to do so. It is a simple procedure that is quick and painless. This article will delve into what tartar is, its signs and symptoms, causes, and treatment procedure.
What is Tartar?
Tartar is a hard and yellowish deposit that builds up on teeth. It is formed as a result of a buildup of bacteria, food remnants, minerals, and salts. Tartar is so hard and sticky that it cannot simply be brushed off – in fact, its sticky nature only attracts more food particles, hence leading to a never-ending cycle of buildup. Everyone is bound to deal with tartar depending on their dental hygiene and eating habits.
Signs and Symptoms of Tartar
The only symptom of tartar buildup is the presence of a yellow or brown lining on the teeth just below the gums. The buildup is rough, so you should feel it as you move your tongue and lips over the teeth. Other than that, it is difficult to determine whether you have tartar until color begins forming.
Causes of Tartar
There are several factors that come together to contribute to the formation of tartar. For starters, the mouth is host to bacteria that may be helpful or harmful depending on its nature. These bacteria are always breaking up food particles and releasing acids in return. These acids are one of the main causes of tartar buildup.
Secondly, small food particles remain in the mouth long after eating. These food particles fuel the bacteria, as explained, and hence contribute to tartar buildup. The rate at which tartar builds up depends mostly on the type of foods eaten. For instance, sugary foods accelerate the process as they cause greater production of acid.
Finally, lack of proper dental hygiene is the leading cause of tartar. Tartar takes some time to form and harden. It starts out as plaque, which can be easily brushed off or flossed away. However, if given a chance to accumulate, food particles will eventually contribute to tartar. This is why, as mentioned earlier, everyone deals with tartar at some times in their lives, but people who maintain good dental hygiene can keep it at bay for longer than those who don’t.
Fortunately, it is easy to get rid of tartar as explained earlier. This is done through a process known as scaling.
The process is quite simple. It begins with a visit to the dentist for a quick checkup – tartar is easily diagnosable, so the visit is just a mere formality. Once the dentist has determined that you indeed have tartar, he/she will proceed to schedule an appointment for the removal procedure. During removal, the dentist will use special tools that may consist of hand scalers, ultrasonic scalers, and curettes. He/she will use these tools to chip away at the tartar buildup just below the gum lining. Some force will be applied, but the process is painless – you don’t even need anesthetic. Afterward, the dentist may clean and rinse your mouth to get rid of any loose remnants.
In addition to the dentist’s efforts, you too should be at the forefront of fighting tartar by preventing its buildup in the first place. Preventing tartar buildup is as easy as observing good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice daily after breakfast and dinner, and rinse as often as you eat. Additionally, floss at least once every day and make sure that you cover the entire teeth surface. Finally, avoid eating foods rich in sugar as they accelerate tartar buildup and associated complications such as tooth decay.
Dental Complications Associated with Tartar
Tartar may not seem to be a too serious condition, but it can lead to worse conditions if left untreated over a long period. Remember, tartar is essentially a buildup of dirt and germs. Over time, these germs produce toxic wastes that can lead to a variety of infections.
The main complication associated with tartar buildup is gum disease – the acid produced by bacteria and other germs slowly eats away at the gums’ lining. Other common complications are cavities and tooth loss. This happens when the acid produced slowly eats away at the teeth surface, leading to cavities that eventually necessitate tooth extraction.
Finally, tartar is never a good sight. The brownish or yellowish look is a terrible sight, and it is detrimental to your smile and visual appeal to others. It can also contribute to a foul smell that is just as unappealing as the terrible sight.
Suffering from Tartar? Visit Vita Dental for a Quick and Lasting Solution!
Vita Dental is a family-friendly dental practice that has vast experience treating tartar as well as a wide range of dental diseases. We are based in Spring Texas, and we serve patients from far and near. Visit our website to learn more about our services and be sure to book an appointment! We look forward to working with you.