Debridement
Pronunciation: deh-BREED-mohn
The mechanical or ultrasonic removal of plaque, calculus, and necrotic tissue from tooth surfaces or a wound site.
Full Definition
In a dental context, debridement refers to the thorough removal of deposits—including supragingival and subgingival calculus, biofilm, and necrotic cementum—from tooth and root surfaces. It differs from scaling in that it encompasses a broader range of tissue and may include ultrasonic, hand-instrument, and laser-assisted techniques. Editors must not substitute 'cleaning' or 'polishing' as synonyms, as these describe distinct, less comprehensive procedures. The term is also used in wound-care contexts, so editors should confirm the clinical setting before applying it. In NHS documentation it often appears in the phrase 'full-mouth debridement'.
Usage
Usage note: Avoid the lay synonym 'deep clean' in clinical documents; reserve that phrase for patient-facing materials only.
In Context
- "Full-mouth debridement was completed over two appointments to manage the patient's generalised chronic periodontitis." — Clinical notes
- "Authors should not use 'cleaning' as a synonym for debridement, as the two procedures have different clinical endpoints." — Editorial style guide