Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal (PMPR)
Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal, commonly shortened to PMPR, is a professional cleaning treatment used to remove plaque biofilm and hardened calculus from the teeth and root surfaces.
PMPR can be carried out above the gumline, beneath the gumline or in both areas, depending on your gum health. The aim is to reduce inflammation, improve access for daily cleaning and create a healthier environment around the teeth.
Why might PMPR be recommended?
- Plaque or calculus that cannot be removed through brushing alone
- Bleeding, swollen or inflamed gums
- Gingivitis caused by plaque build-up
- Periodontal pockets around the teeth
- Calculus deposits beneath the gumline
- Periodontitis affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth
- Ongoing maintenance following periodontal treatment
What is plaque biofilm?
Plaque biofilm is a sticky layer of bacteria that continually forms on the teeth. If it is not removed effectively, it can irritate the gums and contribute to bleeding and inflammation.
Over time, plaque can harden into calculus, sometimes called tartar. Calculus cannot be removed with a toothbrush and requires professional instruments.
What is the difference between supragingival and subgingival PMPR?
Supragingival PMPR focuses on plaque and calculus located on the visible surfaces of the teeth and around the gumline.
Subgingival PMPR cleans beneath the gumline and along the root surfaces inside periodontal pockets. This deeper form of treatment may also be referred to as subgingival instrumentation, deep cleaning or root surface debridement.
What happens during treatment?
Your gums and teeth will first be assessed so that treatment can be focused on the areas where plaque, calculus and inflammation are present.
Hand instruments and powered ultrasonic equipment may be used to carefully remove deposits from the tooth and root surfaces. The treatment may be completed across the whole mouth or divided into separate areas, depending on the extent of the condition.
Will I need local anaesthetic?
Local anaesthetic may be offered when deeper areas beneath the gumline require treatment. Numbing the gums can make the procedure more comfortable and allow the affected root surfaces to be cleaned thoroughly.
For lighter cleaning above the gumline, local anaesthetic may not be necessary.
Will the treatment hurt?
You may feel vibration, water spray, pressure or mild sensitivity during treatment. Areas that are inflamed can sometimes feel more tender.
Please mention any discomfort during the appointment. The treatment can be adjusted, and local anaesthetic may be used where appropriate.
What can I expect afterwards?
- Mild tenderness or bleeding from the gums
- Temporary sensitivity to hot or cold
- Reduced swelling as inflammation settles
- Teeth appearing slightly longer as the gums heal
- Spaces between the teeth becoming more noticeable
These changes often occur because swollen gum tissue is healing and beginning to fit more closely around the teeth.
How can I maintain the results?
- Brush thoroughly twice each day using fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between the teeth every day using the recommended brushes or floss
- Follow any personalised oral hygiene advice provided
- Reduce or stop smoking where possible
- Keep diabetes well controlled if applicable
- Attend all recommended periodontal reviews and maintenance appointments
Will PMPR cure gum disease?
PMPR can remove the deposits that contribute to gum inflammation and help bring periodontal disease under control. However, it does not permanently prevent plaque from forming again.
Long-term stability depends on effective daily cleaning, regular professional monitoring and management of risk factors such as smoking and poorly controlled diabetes.
Supporting healthier gums and stronger foundations
PMPR is an important part of preventing and managing gum disease. By combining professional plaque removal with effective home care, it can help reduce inflammation, protect the supporting tissues and improve the long-term stability of your natural teeth.