DENTAL CALCULUS / TARTAR

The oral cavity is the site of a variety of abnormal calcified deposits that can form within the gingiva, tooth pulps and salivary glands as well as on dentures and other oral appliances. The most common oral deposits form on the teeth and it is these, which are in close juxtaposition to the gingiva and other supporting tissues that generate concern in periodontal disease. Dental calculus` is an adherent calcified / calcifying mass that forms on the surface of natural teeth and dental prosthesis covered on its external surface by vital, tightly adherent non-mineralized plaque. There may also be a loosely held covering of materia alba, shed bacteria, desquamated epithelial cells and blood derived from crevicular area.