Subgingival Debridement
The mechanical removal of plaque, calculus, and diseased cementum from tooth root surfaces located below the gingival margin.
Full Definition
Subgingival debridement is a core non-surgical periodontal therapy involving the instrumentation of root surfaces apical to the free gingival margin using hand scalers, curettes, or ultrasonic devices. In research manuscripts, it is frequently the comparator or test intervention in periodontal clinical trials. Editors must ensure the term is not used interchangeably with 'root surface debridement' (RSD) or 'scaling and root planing' (SRP), as these differ in depth and intent of cementum removal. The distinction between debridement (biofilm disruption) and root planing (cementum smoothing) has clinical and regulatory implications.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish carefully from 'scaling and root planing' (SRP); debridement implies biofilm removal without necessarily planing the cementum surface.
In Context
- "All participants received full-mouth subgingival debridement at baseline using ultrasonic instrumentation." — Periodontal RCT protocol
- "The authors should clarify whether subgingival debridement or full root planing was performed, as the two procedures differ in cementum removal intent." — Peer review comment on a periodontal manuscript