A non-surgical periodontal treatment in which subgingival calculus, plaque, and infected tissue are removed and the root surface is smoothed.
Indication
- Periodontal pockets of 5 mm or more (moderate to advanced periodontitis)
- Bleeding on probing and gingival recession
- Subgingival calculus accumulation
- Chronic periodontitis unresponsive to surface scaling (supragingival debridement)
- Initial-phase preparation before surgical treatment
- Periodontal infection accompanied by tooth mobility and bad breath
Preparation
- Clinical examination and periodontal probing to measure pocket depth
- Assessment of alveolar bone loss with panoramic or periapical X-ray
- Communication with the prescribing physician for patients on anticoagulants
- Pre-procedure tooth-surface cleaning (scaling) and oral hygiene instruction
How it's performed
- Local anesthesia is applied to the treatment area
- Subgingival calculus and infected tissue are removed using ultrasonic instruments and manual curettes
- The root surface is smoothed (root surface planing)
- The pocket is irrigated with antiseptic solutions
- Treatment can be planned by quadrant or in a single session for the whole mouth
Post-procedure
- Avoid hot and hard foods for 24-48 hours after the procedure
- Mild gingival sensitivity and bleeding for the first 1-2 days are common
- Use of mouthwash and brushing technique recommended by the dentist
- Periodontal re-evaluation (pocket depth measurement) after 4-6 weeks
- Regular periodontal maintenance sessions every 3-6 months
Risks
- Temporary tooth sensitivity (hot/cold)
- More noticeable gingival recession after treatment
- Localized bleeding or mild swelling after the procedure
- Rare infection in immunocompromised patients
- Disease recurrence in cases of inadequate oral hygiene
FAQ
Is periodontal curettage painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so no pain is felt. Mild sensitivity may occur for 1-2 days afterwards.
How many sessions are required?
Depending on pocket depth and number of affected areas, it is generally completed in 2-4 sessions; the mouth can be planned in quadrants.
Are the results long-lasting?
With regular oral hygiene and periodontal check-ups every 3-6 months, the improvement achieved can be maintained over the long term.
Will surgery be required?
Curettage is a non-surgical method. If the response is insufficient, surgical options such as flap surgery may be considered.
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