At the point where our teeth meet the gums, there is a 1–2 mm area of free gingiva that is not attached to the tooth. This unattached area forms a pocket-like space called the gingival sulcus. Food, drinks, bacteria, and minerals in saliva can accumulate in this pocket. Over time, these deposits, together with calcium from saliva, harden and form tartar. No matter how well you maintain oral hygiene, tartar will form in the gingival sulcus at certain intervals.

Tartar eventually blocks the gums from receiving proper nutrition and, along with the increased bacterial load, causes gum inflammation. Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are caused by untreated tartar. Long-term accumulation of tartar can also lead to bad breath.

How are tartar deposits cleaned?
We remove tartar from the tooth surface using ultrasonic devices called Cavitron, which produce high-frequency vibrations. To clean the residues left by tartar and bacterial plaque, we polish the teeth with high-speed rotating instruments. This creates a clean, smooth surface, making it harder for plaque and tartar to reattach.

The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes in a single session. It can be performed without anesthesia and is not a painful treatment.

Does tartar form again after cleaning?
Yes, it does. As long as saliva is produced and eating and drinking occur, tartar will form, and there is no way to completely prevent it. This is a natural process. Regular brushing and flossing can slow its formation but cannot eliminate it entirely. Depending on dietary habits, brushing routine, and the composition of saliva, tartar may form more quickly in some people, while in others it accumulates more slowly. Therefore, it is necessary to have tartar removal performed every 6 to 12 months according to your dentist’s recommendation.