The following article will cover what a calculus bridge removal, why it needs to be removed, what to expect during removal, things to follow and associated costs.
What Is a Calculus Bridge?
Everyone wants to have a healthy smile, and in most cases, this means good oral hygiene. However, at times, even after routine brushing and flossing, plaque tends to build upon the teeth. This plaque material once hardened on the teeth, is referred to as calculus or tartar. In case this deposit is heavy, it forms something referred to as a “calculus bridge,” which is a thick, hard layer of calculus that glues the teeth together and, at times, stretches across several teeth.
A calculus bridge refers to the deposition of dental plaque that has mineralized and become hard over some time in life. The calcified deposit is strongly attached to the teeth and can extend over several teeth like a “bridge.” It is yellow or brown in color and is most often found along the gumline or between teeth, where routine brushing and flossing might miss.
Such a condition is a perfect site for bacteria proliferation, which may further cause several dental problems.
The Causes of Calculus Bridges
- Poor oral hygiene is the first and foremost reason. Infrequent cleaning and brushing makes the plaque harden and calcify into calculus.
- Diet: A diet that is high in sugars and starches can cause a build-up of plaque.
- Medications: Many medications may decrease saliva flow, which increases the chance of calculus developing.
- Medical Conditions: Diseases such as diabetes may change saliva production and lead to calculus.
The Consequences of Ignoring Calculus Bridges Removal
Calculus bridges aren’t just a cosmetic problem. If you tend to ignore calculus bridge removal, they may cause the problem:
- Gum Disease: Calculus irritates the gums and, in return, causes their inflammation, known as gingivitis, which may lead to periodontitis, which is a serious gum infection.
- Bad Breath: Bad breath results due to the bacteria trapped in calculus.
- Tooth Loss: This could be endured in advanced stages, as calculus will wind up causing bone loss around the teeth, bringing about tooth loss.
- Heart Disease: Some studies have noted a link between oral bacteria and heart diseases.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Calculus bridges are normally visible, making the teeth appear colored or dirty, thus affecting self-esteem and confidence.
Breaking Free from the Calculus Bridge
Although home remedies may be applied as a way of preventing calculus buildup, professionally performed cleaning is necessary in order to remove the already built-up calculus.
Professional Cleaning
Scaling and root planing: This is a procedure to remove calculus and then smoothen the surfaces of the roots using special tools.
Dental hygiene: Regular check-ups and cleanings are vital for making sure calculus buildup doesn’t occur.
Home Care
Regular brushing: Regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste can help in removing plaque before hardening.
Flossing: By flossing, plaque is removed from between the teeth and thus prevents calculus formation.
Mouthwash: It contains an antiseptic that combats against bacteria.
Regular Dental Check-ups: One should schedule an appointment every six months for a professional cleaning.
Other Tips
Diet: Try to stay away from sugary and starchy foods.
Watching what you eat: The right diet is one that does not include great amounts of sugary and starchy foods in it.
Hydration: Enough water is excellent for rinsing off foods.
Electric Toothbrushes: They are likely to be better than the traditional toothbrush at removing plagues.
Recognising the Signs: Symptoms of Calculus Buildup
Since early detection will help in preventing the advancement of oral health issues that may have been caused by calculus buildup, it becomes important to be aware of certain symptoms. Some common symptoms include:
Bad breath: Bad breath that persists despite regular brushing can be indicative of calculus buildup.
Gum inflammation: Changes in colour, swelling, or tenderness of the gums may indicate latent gum disease due to calculus.
Bleeding gums: Bleeding during brushing or flossing is usually an indication that there is some amount of calculus precipitating the redness of the gums.
Sensitivity: Sensitivity of teeth may sometimes be related to calculus collection on teeth, particularly when the teeth are exposed to any extreme temperatures.
Loose teeth: In severe cases, this gross calculus deposition may cause advanced gum diseases that result in loose teeth.
When you notice the following signs, it is essential to visit a dentist.
Dangers of Not Treating Calculus Build-Up
Calculus, when left untreated for a long time, leads to very dangerous outcomes. These are:
Gum diseases: The principal results of calculus build-up are gingivitis and periodontitis. It causes loss of bones supporting the teeth.
Loss of teeth: When gum disease is that advanced, it becomes impossible for a tooth to stay in place in its socket, hence the loss of that tooth.
Heart disease: Some research has linked oral bacteria to the formation of heart diseases.
Other systematic issues: Oral infections have, at times, contacted the blood stream and ebloodstream areas of the body.
Prevention is always better than cure. Regular dental checkups go hand in hand with good oral hygiene and a healthful diet.
Home Remedies to Prevent Calculus: A word of caution
While it is very tempting to have an eye on the available home remedies, it should be kept in mind that no home remedy can actually remove calculus once it hardens. Thus, dental cleaning performed by a professional remains the only option. Although, the following home remedies can prevent buildup and aid in maintaining oral hygiene:
Baking Soda: Mix it with water to replace toothpaste, but due to its highly abrasive nature, do not overdo it.
Saltwater Rinse: Swishing around warm salt water can result in water inside your mouth.
Apple cider vinegar: Mix with water to serve as a mouthwash. However, excessive intake is erosive for the teeth.
Chewing fruits and vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery are natural cleaners of teeth.
Note: These home remedies are alongside routine cleaning of teeth by brushing, flossing, and having dental checkups regularly. They can’t be meant to replace professional dental care.
Steps involved in calculus bridge removal
In most cases, a calculus bridge removal is done by a professional by following the steps show how it is done:
Assessment and Diagnosis
Before performing the treatment, your dentist or dental hygienist will examine your mouth thoroughly. He may also take dental X-rays to check the extent of the calculus deposit and if there are any other gum diseases.
Scaling
The most vital step regarding the removal of calculus bridges is scaling. In scaling, your dentist or hygienist uses special instruments, like ultrasonic scalers and hand-held instruments, to break down and remove the hardened calculus from the tooth surface both above and below the gum line. Such is the ultrasonic scaler that loosen deposits by vibrations and by washing them out with a stream of water.
Root Planing
Smoothening the surfaces of the roots of teeth, called root planing, helps in the reattachment of gums to teeth and makes it difficult for plaque and calculus deposition again in future. This step is significant to deal with and also prevent further gum diseases.
Polishing and Fluoride Treatment
Finally, the teeth are polished to smoothen rough surfaces and remove surface stains. Fluoride treatment could also be applied to strengthen the enamel and help fight against cavities.
Aftercare and Prevention
This, therefore, demands post-procedure care in healing and prevention against the re-development of calculus bridges. A few tips are given below:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day to remove plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline.
Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist in order to monitor your oral health and catch any possible issues on time.
Use antimicrobial mouthwash: Rinsing the mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash may help to reduce bacteria and inhibit plaque formation.
Dietary changes: Limit sugary and starchy foods which are most probably to foster plaque. Drinking plenty of water and a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help in maintaining oral health overall.
Cost of Calculus Bridge Removal
The procedure’s cost for calculus bridge removal will differ according to a few factors, such as the severity of build-up, the location of the dental office, or whether or not you have dental insurance.
Cost Without Insurance
Initial Examination and X-rays: This examination may cost anywhere between $50 to $150, while diagnostic X-rays will be an additional $50 to $150.
Scaling and Root Planing: Treatment costs per quadrant can range from $100 to $300, depending on the severity of the case, and up to a full-mouth treatment at $400 to $1,200.
Other Treatments: If your case calls for an extended treatment or after-visits, then this adds up to the cost. For example, polishing and fluoride treatment may add $50-$100 more.
With Insurance
In case you have dental insurance, it may cover the whole or a part of your calculus bridge removal. Most plans cover preventive care and basic procedures such as scaling and root planing; however, you may have to pay a co-pay or toward your deductible. When you have insurance, the out-of-pocket cost could vary from $50 to $300, based on your plan and scope of work.
Other Cost Considerations
Geographic Location: Like every health service, dental treatments vary by location. The cost of these services will thus vary between areas in cities or any other region with a high cost of living.
Dental Discount Plans: These are sharing programs that require a monthly or yearly subscription fee in lieu of any type of insurance for availing their discounted dental procedures.
Conclusion
While calculus bridge removal may appear as a minor procedure, it is quite essential in the maintenance of oral health or prevention of higher ailments. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are key to preventing calculus buildup and related expenditures.
Calculus Bridge Removal forms a very important part of keeping gums and teeth healthy. It may be expensive, but investing in your oral health now will save you from more serious and expensive issues later. If you treat this problem quickly, you will be indeed protecting your dental health for the coming time with no further dental issues. If you suspect that you have a calculus bridge, then the best thing for you would be to seek the opinion of the dentist; the various types of removal are affected and, most importantly, aftercare of the teeth.
