debridement means removing unwanted material from teeth or oral tissues. In dentistry, it commonly refers to removing plaque, tartar (calculus), and inflamed or infected tissue. It is used in preventive care, periodontal (gum) treatment, and some surgical settings. The goal is to create a cleaner surface so tissues can heal and future treatment can be more effective.
SRP is a clinician shorthand that often refers to a resin-based restorative paste used for small tooth repairs and sealing. It is typically a tooth-colored, light-cured composite resin material placed directly in the mouth. SRP is commonly used in minimally invasive restorative dentistry for small cavities, marginal repairs, and protective sealing. Exact product composition and the meaning of the abbreviation can vary by clinician and case.
root planing is a dental procedure that cleans and smooths the root surfaces of teeth below the gumline. It is commonly performed as part of non-surgical periodontal (gum disease) therapy, often alongside “scaling.” The goal is to remove plaque and hardened deposits (calculus) and reduce surface roughness where bacteria can attach. It is most often used when gum inflammation is linked to deeper pockets around teeth.
scaling is a dental cleaning procedure that removes plaque and hardened deposits from teeth. It is commonly used to manage gum inflammation and support periodontal (gum) health. scaling can be done above the gumline and, when needed, below the gumline in deeper areas. It may be performed with hand instruments, ultrasonic devices, or a combination of both.
UNC-15 probe is a calibrated dental instrument used to measure gum and periodontal (supporting tissue) conditions. It is most commonly used during periodontal charting to measure pocket depth around teeth. The tip has millimeter markings up to 15 mm, allowing more detailed measurements than shorter probes. Dentists and dental hygienists use it in routine exams and periodontal assessments.
A Williams probe is a hand-held dental measuring instrument used to assess gum and bone support around teeth. It has millimeter markings that help clinicians measure the depth of the space between the tooth and gum. It is most commonly used during periodontal (gum) examinations and routine dental checkups. The measurements are recorded to help describe gum health and monitor changes over time.
periodontal probing is a clinical measurement of the space between the gum and the tooth (or implant) using a thin, marked instrument called a periodontal probe. It helps clinicians assess gum health by checking for “pockets,” bleeding, and changes in tissue attachment. It is commonly used during routine dental checkups, periodontal (gum) evaluations, and periodontal maintenance visits. The results are recorded in a periodontal chart to track changes over time.
periodontal charting is a structured way to record gum and tooth-support measurements around each tooth. It helps clinicians document the health of the gums (gingiva) and the supporting bone and ligaments. It is commonly used during dental exams, periodontal evaluations, and maintenance visits. It creates a baseline record that can be compared over time.
A periodontal abscess is a localized collection of pus in the gum tissues next to a tooth. It usually develops from infection within an existing periodontal pocket (a deepened space between tooth and gum). It is commonly discussed in periodontal (gum disease) care, emergency dental visits, and differential diagnosis of dental pain and swelling. Clinically, it is considered a complication of periodontal breakdown or changes in pocket drainage.
suppuration means the formation and release of pus from infected tissue. It is a clinical sign dentists may observe in the gums, around teeth, or near implants. It is commonly discussed in periodontal (gum) and endodontic (root canal–related) infections. In dental notes, suppuration helps describe what is happening, where it occurs, and how it changes over time.