Dental Curettage

Dental curettage is a term commonly used by patients to describe periodontal treatments performed to remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial deposits that have accumulated below the gum line. Today, this treatment is more commonly referred to as subgingival cleaning and root surface debridement.

During routine dental scaling, deposits are primarily removed from the visible surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line. In patients with periodontal pockets, however, deposits may extend deeper beneath the gums and onto the root surfaces. In such cases, routine superficial scaling alone may not be sufficient.

At Dentsmile Oral and Dental Health Clinic, when planning periodontal curettage treatment in Üsküdar, we first evaluate periodontal pocket depths, bleeding, gum recession, and, when necessary, the bone levels supporting the teeth. Curettage is not required for every gum problem.

When Is Dental Curettage Performed?

Deep periodontal cleaning, commonly referred to as curettage, may be considered particularly for patients with periodontitis.

When periodontal pockets develop between the teeth and gums, bacterial plaque and tartar may extend onto the root surfaces. These areas cannot be adequately reached with a toothbrush or dental floss at home.

Patients with signs such as bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, and deep periodontal pockets require a detailed periodontal examination.

The need for treatment is determined not simply by the amount of tartar present but by the overall condition of the periodontal tissues.

How Is Periodontal Curettage Performed?

During treatment, plaque and tartar deposits located below the gum line and on the root surfaces are removed using specialized periodontal instruments and, when necessary, ultrasonic devices.

When deeper areas need to be treated, local anesthesia may be administered for patient comfort.

Depending on the extent of periodontal disease within the mouth, treatment may be completed in a single appointment or divided into separate sessions for different areas.

The objective is not to scrape the gum tissue. The primary aim is to remove disease-associated deposits from within the periodontal pocket and create a root surface that is more suitable for healthy biological healing.

Mild sensitivity may occur during the first few days after treatment. As inflammation decreases, the gum tissues may begin to heal. As previously swollen gums recover, existing areas of gum recession may become more noticeable in some regions.

What Should You Do After Periodontal Curettage?

The success of periodontal treatment depends not only on the professional cleaning performed at the clinic. Preventing bacterial plaque from accumulating again after treatment is equally important.

Teeth should be brushed regularly according to the dentist’s recommendations, and the spaces between the teeth should be cleaned using appropriate dental floss or interdental brushes.

Temporary sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures may occur after treatment. If sensitivity is severe or persists for an extended period, a follow-up examination should be arranged.

Because smoking can negatively affect the healing of periodontal tissues, stopping smoking is particularly recommended.

Does Gum Disease Resolve After Curettage?

The response of the gum tissues should be reassessed after treatment.

The dentist evaluates whether bleeding has decreased, how the periodontal pockets have responded, and whether the patient’s oral hygiene has improved. In some patients, non-surgical periodontal treatment may be sufficient to bring the disease under control.

However, deep periodontal pockets may persist in advanced cases of periodontitis. In such situations, periodontal surgery or regenerative treatments in suitable areas may be considered.

Patients with a history of periodontitis should continue regular periodontal follow-up appointments after treatment to help maintain the periodontal health that has been achieved.

Periodontal Curettage Treatment in Üsküdar

At Dentsmile Oral and Dental Health Clinic, before providing periodontal curettage treatment in Üsküdar, we perform a periodontal examination to evaluate the tissues beneath the gum line and, when necessary, the bone levels supporting the teeth.

Rather than simply determining whether the patient needs “deep dental cleaning,” we assess the stage and extent of periodontal disease and plan treatment accordingly.

Our primary objective is to control bacterial deposits below the gum line, support the healing of the periodontal tissues, and preserve the patient’s natural teeth in a healthy condition for as long as possible.