Curettage (Deep Cleaning / Scaling and Root Planing)
The removal of calculus and infected tissue accumulated beneath the gum line. A deep cleaning procedure aimed at stopping the progression of periodontal disease and preserving the bone support of the teeth.
Support Your Gum Health at a Deeper Level with Curettage Treatment
In some patients, surface-level scaling alone may not be sufficient. Plaque, tartar, and inflamed tissue accumulated beneath the gum line can over time lead to deepening gum pockets, bleeding, bad breath, and deterioration of gum health. Curettage is a periodontal procedure aimed at cleaning these areas more thoroughly. The goal is to bring the gum tissues to a healthier state and reduce the risk of periodontal problems progressing.
Gum pocket depths are measured to determine the severity of the condition and identify which areas require subgingival cleaning beyond routine scaling.
The level of tartar and bacterial buildup below the gum line is examined, along with signs of inflammation and bone involvement, to plan the scope of treatment.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for patient comfort. Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed to help gum tissue reattach to the tooth.
After curettage, a personalized oral hygiene plan is provided. Follow-up appointments monitor healing, pocket depth reduction, and long-term gum health.
What Is Curettage?
Curettage is a periodontal cleaning procedure applied to help bring gum disease under control. Hardite tartar, bacterial plaque, and inflamed tissue accumulated beneath the gum line are cleaned using special techniques. This procedure can help the gum pockets become healthier and support the healing process of the gum tissue.
No. Dental scaling is a more superficial cleaning procedure, while curettage targets deeper periodontal areas beneath the gum line.
It can be considered when there is subgingival buildup, bleeding, periodontal pocket formation, gum inflammation, or the need for deeper cleaning.
No. Not every gum bleeding requires curettage. The necessity is determined after examination and periodontal evaluation.
Plan the Right Treatment with a Detailed Periodontal Evaluation
The most important aspect of curettage treatment is properly understanding whether the problem has progressed only on the surface or beneath the gum line. Because while routine cleaning may be sufficient for some patients, others may require more detailed cleaning of subgingival buildup. For this reason, the periodontal evaluation performed before treatment is of great importance.
- Gum pockets and bleeding status are evaluated.
- The level of subgingival buildup is examined.
- The overall health of periodontal tissues is analyzed.
- If necessary, a post-treatment care and follow-up plan is created.
The Difference Between Curettage and Dental Scaling
Routine dental scaling is the removal of tartar accumulated on the tooth surface and at the gum line. Curettage, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive procedure that reaches into the depths of gum pockets, cleaning tartar on root surfaces and infected gum tissue. It is performed under local anesthesia.
In simple terms: if dental scaling is surface cleaning, curettage is deep cleaning. While routine cleaning may be sufficient at the gingivitis (gum inflammation) stage, periodontitis (the stage where bone loss has begun) requires curettage.
What Happens If Curettage Is Not Done?
If the infection in gum pockets is not treated, bone loss progresses. When the jawbone that holds the teeth in place dissolves, teeth begin to loosen, shift, and eventually fall out. In advanced periodontitis, tooth extraction becomes unavoidable. Implant treatment is planned to replace lost teeth, but in cases where bone loss has advanced, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be needed before implant placement.
Periodontal disease can also cause existing teeth to shift, leading to gap formation and tooth alignment disorders.
The Relationship Between Curettage and Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is not started when active gum disease is present. Before Invisalign or braces, full gum health must be achieved. Infection is brought under control with curettage, bone loss is stopped, and then orthodontic treatment is safely initiated.
Periodontal control must also be maintained during orthodontic treatment. Especially in patients wearing braces, plaque buildup increases, so gum health is protected with regular professional cleaning and curettage when needed.
Curettage and Aesthetic Results
Gum recession may occur after periodontal treatment. This is a result of the bone loss created by the disease itself; curettage stops the progression of the disease, not the loss itself. For aesthetic concerns related to gum recession, gum contours can be improved with pink aesthetics treatment.
If bruxism accompanies periodontal disease, night guard use reduces the excessive load on teeth, supporting the treatment outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled the questions we receive about this treatment and answered them as openly and transparently as possible.
Patient comfort is ensured during the procedure. The process may feel different from person to person depending on the scope of the procedure and gum sensitivity.
It is performed to clean harmful buildup beneath the gums, support gum health, and help reduce the risk of periodontal problems progressing.
Short-term sensitivity or slight discomfort may occur after the procedure. This is usually temporary.
Some patients may notice changes in gum level after the procedure. This is often the true structure being revealed after the area previously covered by inflammation and tartar is cleaned.
Bacteria and buildup beneath the gums can contribute to bad breath. A positive difference may be noticed as cleaning and oral care improve.
This may vary depending on the level of gum disease, oral care habits, and regular check-ups. Some patients may require follow-up and supportive treatments.
Content Information
This page has been prepared by the Dore Medical Editorial Board.
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