Dental Curettage: A Complete Guide to Gum Health and Treatment

Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile and overall oral health. However, gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis can lead to serious dental problems if left untreated. One of the most effective treatments for these conditions is dental curettage, a professional cleaning procedure designed to remove infected tissue and bacteria from beneath the gum line.

What Is Dental Curettage?

Dental curettage is a deep-cleaning dental procedure that targets the root surfaces and tissues inside the gum pockets. It involves scraping and removing diseased soft tissue and bacterial deposits to promote healing and reattachment of the gums to the teeth.

The procedure is usually recommended for patients with periodontitis, an advanced stage of gum disease where bacteria have damaged the supporting bone and tissue.

Dental curettage may be performed as:

• Closed curettage: When gum pockets are shallow, and the procedure is done without opening the gums.

• Open curettage:When deeper cleaning is required, the gums are gently lifted to access the root surfaces before cleaning.

Why Is Dental Curettage Necessary?

Over time, plaque and tartar accumulate on teeth and below the gum line. If not removed, these deposits lead to inflammation and infection. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming “pockets” where bacteria multiply.

When standard cleaning or scaling is not enough to remove these bacteria, dental curettage becomes necessary.

Key benefits include:

• Eliminating harmful bacteria and toxins

• Reducing gum pocket depth

• Preventing further bone and tissue loss

• Improving breath and oral hygiene

• Supporting gum reattachment and stability

Symptoms That Indicate You May Need Dental Curettage

You might be a candidate for dental curettage if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing

• Swollen, tender, or red gums

• Persistent bad breath

• Receding gum line

• Loose or shifting teeth

• Pus between the teeth and gums

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss, chronic infection, and ultimately tooth loss. Early intervention with dental curettage can save your natural teeth and restore oral health.

How Is Dental Curettage Performed?

The dental curettage procedure typically involves several steps:

Diagnosis and preparation: The dentist examines your gums and measures pocket depth using a periodontal probe. X-rays may be taken to assess bone loss.

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to ensure comfort during the procedure.

Scaling and root planing: The dentist removes tartar and plaque from tooth surfaces and roots.

Curettage: The infected gum tissue lining the pocket is scraped away using a curette, a small specialized instrument.

Antiseptic irrigation: The area is disinfected with an antimicrobial solution to kill remaining bacteria.

Tissue reattachment: The gums are allowed to heal and naturally reattach to the cleaned tooth surfaces.

The entire procedure usually takes about 45–90 minutes, depending on the severity of the disease and the number of areas treated.

 Aftercare and Recovery

After dental curettage, mild tenderness or swelling may occur for a few days. Dentists usually recommend:

• Using prescribed mouthwash to prevent infection

• Eating soft foods and avoiding spicy or hard foods temporarily

• Maintaining good oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing

• Scheduling regular dental checkups

Most patients notice a significant improvement in gum appearance and reduced bleeding within two weeks.

The Role of Dental Curettage in Periodontal Health

Dental curettage is often combined with scaling and root planing as part of comprehensive periodontal therapy. It helps stop the progression of gum disease, reduces pocket depth, and creates a clean environment for tissue regeneration.

When performed regularly as recommended, dental curettage can significantly improve oral health, prevent tooth loss, and enhance the effectiveness of other dental treatments.

Why Choose Healthy Türkiye for Dental Curettage?

At Healthy Türkiye, we partner with internationally accredited dental clinics equipped with state-of-the-art technology and modern sterilization standards. Our expert dentists perform dental curettage in Turkey using minimally invasive techniques that ensure comfort and quick recovery.

Our services include:

• Comprehensive periodontal assessment

• Personalized treatment planning

• Post-procedure follow-up and hygiene guidance

• Affordable treatment packages including accommodation and transfers for international patients

Healthy Türkiye is committed to helping you achieve lasting oral health and a confident smile.

Conclusion

Dental curettage is a vital treatment for controlling and reversing gum disease. By removing infected tissue and bacteria, it restores gum health, prevents bone loss, and protects your natural teeth.

If you are experiencing gum bleeding, swelling, or bad breath, professional evaluation is crucial. Contact Healthy Türkiye today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward healthier gums and a brighter smile.