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What is Dental Curettage?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Dental curettage is a procedure in which diseased tissue is removed from the mouth and gums. At one time, dental curettage was a common technique used to manage periodontal disease, but the practice has become much less common, and is viewed as controversial by some dental practitioners. In preference to curettage, some dentists prefer to do perform what is known as a “deep cleaning,” otherwise known as a scaling and root planing.

In curettage procedures, instruments are used to cut away dead tissue. The idea is that such tissue can contribute to inflammation, infection, and bad odors, and that removal of the damaged tissue will promote the development of healthy tissue. There are several different types of dental curettage, including ultrasonic curettage, which uses an ultrasonic dental instrument, and surgical curettage, in which a flap of gum is cut and rotated away so that a pocket of infected tissue can be cleaned out before the flap is rotated back and fixed in place.

Diseased tissue is removed from the mouth and gums during a procedure known as dental curettage.
Diseased tissue is removed from the mouth and gums during a procedure known as dental curettage.

In basic dental curettage, a sharp cutting instrument is run into gingival pockets in front of the teeth to remove dead tissue, and dead or infected tissue will be removed from the gums. Local anesthetic is often used to make the patient more comfortable, and the mouth is frequently flushed with a sterile solution to sweep out the debris. This procedure is usually provided to people with advanced gum disease as a tool for managing the problem, and it may be required on multiple occasions.

Some dentists prefer to perform a deep cleaning as opposed to a dental curettage.
Some dentists prefer to perform a deep cleaning as opposed to a dental curettage.

Studies have suggested that scaling and root planing may be just as effective, especially when it is done at an early stage. In this procedure, built-up calculus is removed from the teeth with hand-held instruments, and the roots of the teeth are smoothed so that they do not provide a surface for plaque to build up on. Several sessions are often required, and patients may be given anesthetic so that they feel more comfortable, since the procedure can be mildly painful.

A strict oral hygiene practice can help prevent periodontal disease.
A strict oral hygiene practice can help prevent periodontal disease.

If a dentist recommends dental curettage, patients should not be afraid to ask specifically why curettage is being recommended, as opposed to more modern treatments. It may not be a bad idea to solicit a second opinion to confirm that this treatment is appropriate. Patients should also consult their insurance companies to confirm that curettage is covered, as they may be required to pay for the procedure if an insurance company decides that it is not medically necessary, or that there is an alternative treatment available.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

strawCake

Ultrasonic dental curettage definitely sounds like the best choice if you have to have this procedure done. I imagine there could be complications from having gum surgery where you cut into the gum and rotate it.

I wonder if a lot of people get infections from having this done? I imagine flushing the mouth with a sterile solution is enough to prevent most infections, but I bet it could still happen. I guess you just have to do what your dentist tells you to do as far as taking care of your gums after getting something like this done.

sunnySkys

@JessicaLynn - Yeah, preventing gum disease is definitely preferable to having to visit a periodontist and get a procedure done. Some people still get gingivitis though.

I have a friend who just recently had the deep cleaning procedure done on her gums. Her dentist actually wanted to do dental curettage, but she did some research and decided she didn't want to get it done. She went to a different dentist and got a second opinion, and decided to go with the deep cleaning.

I think she was happy with her choice, because from what she told me the procedure didn't hurt at all.

JessicaLynn

I think it's interesting how much dental treatment has evolved over the years. My mother was a dental assistant in the 1970's and I remember her telling me that dental curettage was fairly common back in those days, but now it's definitely not used as much.

Although these days I think more people are aware of the risks of gum disease and take more steps to prevent it. Pretty much everyone I know uses dental floss and mouth wash regularly, which are two things that prevent gum disease and having to have these procedures done in the first place.

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    • Diseased tissue is removed from the mouth and gums during a procedure known as dental curettage.
      By: fotoinfot
      Diseased tissue is removed from the mouth and gums during a procedure known as dental curettage.
    • Some dentists prefer to perform a deep cleaning as opposed to a dental curettage.
      By: Laurentiu Iordache
      Some dentists prefer to perform a deep cleaning as opposed to a dental curettage.
    • A strict oral hygiene practice can help prevent periodontal disease.
      By: CandyBox Images
      A strict oral hygiene practice can help prevent periodontal disease.
    • Cheek retractors may be used to allow full access to the mouth during dental curettage.
      By: yotrakbutda
      Cheek retractors may be used to allow full access to the mouth during dental curettage.
    • Patients are typically instructed to rinse their mouths with mouthwash following a deep cleaning.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Patients are typically instructed to rinse their mouths with mouthwash following a deep cleaning.