[woodyfly]

Just curious here. I had an abscessed rct pulled a week ago and he didn't spend too much time debriding the area, maybe 3-4 minutes. I've read that a proper debridement should take 15 mins or so?

I'm not sure but I think he mentioned that the infection wasn't very deep or something. This guy has been working as an oral surgeon for over 30 years and has pulled thousands of tooth. I can only assume he knows what he's doing and for some reason he felt there was no need for a thorough debridement?

[Bryanna]

Hi woodfly,

Our teeth are anchored in the jaw bone by a live periodontal ligament and live alveolar bone. The ligament is a vital, flexible and fibrous membrane that encompasses the exterior root surface of the tooth. Its purpose is to provide protection and flexibility as it supports the tooth in the alveolar bone. The health of the alveolar bone is integral because it supports the entire maxilla and mandibular structure that hold the teeth in place. This bone is very susceptible to disease and trauma, both of which will cause it to break down and collapse over time.

The reason for doing a thorough debridement after a tooth is extracted is to ascertain that the periodontal ligament and all diseased tissue and bone are removed to allow the alveolar bone the best opportunity to heal healthfully. Remnants of a diseased tooth, tissue or bone left in the jaw bone after a tooth is extracted can lead to post op complications, infections, and even cavitations of the jaw bone.

Some extraction sites require a more lengthy debridement than others. It all depends on the extent of the disease found in the bone.

I cannot answer why a thorough debridement is not routinely done after every tooth extraction. Every dentist has been taught the significance of performing these important steps but like anything else, it just doesn't happen. I encourage people to assertively request that their dentist be thorough in the extraction procedure and not be so quick to just get it done.

Bryanna

Originally Posted by woodyfly

Just curious here. I had an abscessed rct pulled a week ago and he didn't spend too much time debriding the area, maybe 3-4 minutes. I've read that a proper debridement should take 15 mins or so?

I'm not sure but I think he mentioned that the infection wasn't very deep or something. This guy has been working as an oral surgeon for over 30 years and has pulled thousands of tooth. I can only assume he knows what he's doing and for some reason he felt there was no need for a thorough debridement?