Curettage treatment is a deep cleaning procedure performed to prevent the progression of gum disease. This procedure is often mistaken for regular tartar cleaning, but curettage focuses on cleaning deeper layers, reaching 4-6 mm into the gum pocket to remove infection and dead tissue. Unlike standard dental cleanings that focus on surface plaque removal, curettage treatment targets areas where gum pockets meet the teeth, helping to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup. It is also considered an essential procedure for gum aesthetics (pink aesthetics) by reducing deep gum pockets.
Curettage treatment is primarily applied to patients suffering from gum swelling and bleeding, particularly when the inflammation has progressed beyond the surface level. Since this condition requires a more complex treatment than standard dental cleanings, curettage is recommended for deeper infections.
For patients who attend regular dental check-ups every six months, tartar, plaque, and inflammation can be detected early and resolved with routine tartar cleaning. However, if a patient neglects their dental visits, plaque and tartar can progress deeper into the gum tissue and roots, making curettage treatment necessary.
Curettage procedures are known as root surface decontamination treatments, in which infected root surfaces are cleaned using specialized tools called curettes. This process helps remove infected tissue from pathological pockets around the roots, ensuring a healthier gum environment.
When patients maintain routine dental check-ups every 6-12 months, their teeth and gums remain significantly healthier, and the risk of deep gum pockets forming is minimized.
The curettage procedure performed on the gums is a periodontal treatment that ensures the complete removal of damaged or diseased soft tissues within the gum walls. When combined with scaling and medication support, this treatment method delivers highly effective results and plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health.
During the dental curettage procedure, specialized laser devices are used to remove infected and dead tissue from the gums. The primary goal is to prevent harmful and infected tissues from spreading to healthy areas. By removing the damaged tissue, the development of new, healthy tissue is stimulated. In early stages, the treatment can be performed by opening a small space between the tooth and gum.
The inflammatory condition known as periodontitis can become a severe threat to oral and dental health if it continues to progress. The best way to prevent tooth loss is to clean the infection as early as possible. Studies have shown that gum diseases are responsible for over 70% of tooth loss cases.
Curettage treatment can be performed on a single tooth or planned for the entire jawbone in some cases. The tartar buildup in gum pockets is removed, and root surface smoothing is carried out to eliminate infections on the gum surface. Since results may not always be achieved in a single session, the treatment is often performed in multiple sessions.
If you are experiencing gum swelling, bleeding, or gum recession, it is essential to consult a dentist as soon as possible to determine whether this treatment is suitable for you and which type of curettage procedure would be most effective.
In advanced cases, where gum disease has reached the jawbone, additional treatments such as root planing, tartar removal, and grafting may be required.
If necessary, anesthesia can be applied during this procedure. However, the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the treatment. The procedure is performed using high-precision instruments, ensuring a careful and effective cleaning of gum pockets. Antiseptic solutions are used to properly disinfect the treated areas. Some sensitivity in the teeth after the procedure is normal but typically subsides within a short period.
As with all dental treatments, the primary advantage of curettage is its ability to effectively protect oral and dental health. This treatment prevents gum disorders from progressing, making early intervention possible. The removal of bacteria accumulated in the mouth helps prevent oral and dental diseases. Additionally, it protects the jawbone from potential disorders, preventing issues such as tooth loss and osteoporosis. Curettage ensures the complete removal of dead tissue and infection from the gums.
Curettage also improves the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and gums, preventing oral health issues that could negatively impact one's smile. As a result, patients can achieve a healthy and aesthetically pleasing gum appearance, often referred to as "pink aesthetics."
There are two types of curettage: closed curettage and open curettage.
Closed Curettage: In this procedure, a curette is inserted between the tooth root and the gum, blindly removing tartar and diseased gum tissue from the depths of the gum pocket. Since this method requires intensive manual effort and may not always provide precise results in deeper areas, it is not always the preferred option.
Open Curettage: Open curettage is a more complex but highly effective procedure. It begins by making an incision in the gum tissue, exposing the deep periodontal pocket. The tartar and diseased gum tissue are carefully removed using specialized instruments, fully exposing the bone underneath. The bone, which often develops sharp edges and irregularities due to inflammation and bone loss, is reshaped and smoothed using special burs to create a healthy foundation.
If the affected area is shallow, the procedure ends after cleaning the gum pocket, and the flap is sutured back onto the treated bone. However, if the pocket is deeper, bone graft material may be needed to restore the lost bone volume. After suturing, a temporary periodontal dressing is applied to support healing and protect the surgical area. Once healing is complete, the tooth roots may become slightly exposed, but the gums will be completely healthy, free of inflammation and periodontitis.
After the procedure, the gums and teeth reattach to the cleaned root surfaces, improving overall gum health. To support this recovery, proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is essential.
After about one week, the gums will begin to regain a healthy appearance, with complete healing typically occurring within 20 days. Over time, gum swelling will subside, and bleeding during brushing and flossing will stop. If symptoms persist, consulting a dentist is recommended.
To maintain healthy teeth and gums after curettage treatment, regular and proper oral hygiene is essential. Daily brushing and flossing prevent food particles and bacteria from forming hard plaque and tartar, ensuring long-term oral health.
The cost of curettage treatment can vary depending on the specific procedure needed and the pricing policy of the chosen dental clinic. It is important to select a clinic that follows a quality-oriented service approach and adheres to high professional standards. Otherwise, unexpected issues may arise while seeking optimal oral and dental health.
In this regard, Dentaliva has been providing high-quality dental services for many years. With a team of expert dentists and dedicated professionals, our clinic offers a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all patients. At Dentaliva, it is possible to access affordable prices for all dental treatments without compromising on quality.
For healthy teeth and gums, as well as smile design options that enhance your confidence and allow you to smile freely, you can visit our website or contact us via our communication channels to learn more about our services and pricing.
