Deep Gum Cleaning (Curettage)
What Is Deep Gum Cleaning?
Deep gum cleaning is commonly called curettage or deep cleaning. Clinically, the main procedure is removal of plaque and tartar below the gum and root surface debridement in cases with increased periodontal pocket depth. Surgical gingival curettage is not a standard step in every current periodontitis treatment.
Simple scaling targets visible surfaces, while this approach reaches into pockets when active periodontal disease is present. Not every patient has the same pocket depth or session plan.
Examination and Planning
Periodontal probing assesses pocket depth, bleeding and mobility. Periapical X-ray shows bone-loss level. The plan is created according to localised or generalised periodontitis and may be applied by mouth quadrants in one or more sessions.
Smoking, diabetes and poor hygiene may negatively affect response to treatment. Risk factors are discussed with the patient.
Procedure Process
Under local anaesthesia, deposits on root surfaces are removed and debrided with ultrasonic and manual instruments. The aim is controlled debridement and bacterial-load reduction, not aggressive scraping of an infected root layer. Sensitivity, mild swelling or bleeding may occur in the first days.
If occlusal trauma or bruxism is present, a night guard may be assessed; occlusal adjustment is considered in selected cases. Chlorhexidine irrigation or occlusal grinding is not required for every patient.
Healing and Reassessment
Adaptation of gum tissue to pocket depth may take weeks; reassessment is usually performed after a few weeks. Reduced pocket depth and bleeding control are targeted; periodontal surgery may still be needed in advanced cases.
Supportive periodontal care is planned by risk; need for repeated subgingival instrumentation depends on clinical findings and does not mean annual curettage as a standard.
Relation to Dental Scaling
Scaling and root surface debridement are parts of the same treatment spectrum; they should not be sharply divided as superficial and deep. If there is no deep pocket, this broader protocol may not be indicated. Home hygiene never gives up its role.
A periodontal pocket chart is recorded for before-after comparison. Patient education should include brushing and interdental cleaning techniques.