8.11.2019

Why to get tartar removed? Our dental hygienist Hanna Häyrinen answers!

How is tartar removed from the teeth? How long does tartar removal take? We asked Hygga’s dental hygienist Hanna Häyrinen questions about tartar removal. Read the questions and answers below!

Questions about tartar removal

Can tartar removal be done by myself at home?

Tartar is a bacterial mass hardened by the salts of saliva, firmly adhered to the surfaces of teeth and tooth roots, most of which are hidden beneath the gums. Dental hygienist tools and professional skills at a dental clinic are needed to remove tartar.

How long does tartar removal take?

The duration of the tartar removal depends largely on the amount of tartar. It usually takes 30 to 45 minutes to remove tartar.

Which device is used to remove tartar?

An ultrasonic device based on water flow and high-frequency oscillation can be used to remove tartar. This removes bacterial mass, tartar and discoloration from the surfaces of the teeth and tooth roots. The removal of tartar is often started with an ultrasound device, but it is not necessary to use it. The finishing of the tartar removal is done by hand instruments. If the ultrasound device causes severe pain, the removal can be done completely by hand.

Removal of tartar scares me. Does tartar removal hurt? Is anesthesia used?

Removing tartar can be painful if there is a large amount of tartar, if the gums are inflamed and / or the teeth are tender. Anesthesia is used whenever the patient feels the need for it. Anesthetic is applied to the gums using a topical anesthetic or a more effective local anesthetic. Anesthesia is recommended especially if the gums are heavily inflamed and the gingival pockets are deep. A dental hygienist can assess the patient’s situation and recommend anesthesia if needed, but it can and should be requested by you if you want to. Removal of tartar should not be painful!

How often should tartar be removed? What time interval should I have between tartar removals?

The interval is unique and varies from a few months to a couple of years. The length of the interval is influenced by oral hygiene, general health, and saliva composition. The dental hygienist can determine the appropriate interval for the patient.

Do you have tartar? You can book a time for tartar removal at Hygga here.

Why choose Hygga?

At Hygga your dentist appointment is a pleasant experience! We are located in the centre of Helsinki in Kamppi. Our clinic is located inside Sähkötalo / Kamppi Shopping Centre.

Thanks to our special operating model the environment here at our clinic in Kamppi is stress-free and calm. Our timetable is flexible. Therefore we aim to treat all your dental problems all at once if it is possible. Your treatment time may last from 1 hour to even 3 hours. We have all the time for you without a feeling of rush.

We offer a wide range of oral health care services from basic oral checkups to fillings, wisdom tooth extractions and root canal treatment. Our dentists and other staff are trained in how to help dental-phobic patients. Our flexible operating concept enables us to use all the time needed during appointments with such patients. Read more about our dental services here. You can also call us (09) 58 400 300 or visit our clinic in Helsinki Centre (Kampinkuja 2, Sähkötalo’s 2nd floor) and ask more questions.

You can find Hygga clinic on social media (in Finnish): Facebook and Instagram.

Hygga – Well-being to your smile!