Healthy teeth have a biological gap of up to 2mm between the gums and the supporting bone, which is considered normal. If this gap deepens due to gum diseases, poor restorations, or other factors, it is referred to as a periodontal pocket. Curettage is a procedure performed within these pockets. It involves the removal of diseased gum tissue, tartar, and inflammatory material from the tooth root surfaces under local anesthesia. This treatment aims to reduce bacterial count in the area and eliminate the disease. Curettage can be seen as a more in-depth version of scaling, the first step in periodontal disease treatment, targeting deeper tissues. It is particularly effective in treating periodontitis, a condition where gum disease has progressed to affect the bone.
The procedure can be applied to the periodontal pocket around a single tooth or, in cases of widespread disease, around all teeth.
Depending on factors such as the severity and extent of the disease, pocket depth, and the patient’s overall condition, the treatment can be planned as a single session or multiple sessions.
Curettage treatment is generally not associated with severe pain after the procedure. However, certain precautions should be followed. To maintain oral hygiene and avoid negatively affecting the healing process, smoking and alcohol should be avoided. Consume lukewarm foods and avoid extremely hot or cold foods. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for oral hygiene, and if medications or mouth rinses are prescribed, use them regularly and as directed.
