Detection, removal and prevention of calculus: Literature Review

• Main Authors: Deepa G. Kamath, Sangeeta Umesh Nayak
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2014-01-01
• Series: Saudi Dental Journal
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1013905213000680

Dental plaque is considered to be a major etiological factor in the development of periodontal disease. Accordingly, the elimination of supra- and sub-gingival plaque and calculus is the cornerstone of periodontal therapy. Dental calculus is mineralized plaque; because it is porous, it can absorb various toxic products that can damage the periodontal tissues. Hence, calculus should be accurately detected and thoroughly removed for adequate periodontal therapy. Many techniques have been used to identify and remove calculus deposits present on the root surface. The purpose of this review was to compile the various methods and their advantages for the detection and removal of calculus. Keywords: Calculus, Plaque, Ultrasonic scaling, Gingivitis, Periodontal disease