Dental curettage is a dental procedure in which the periodontal pockets surrounding a tooth are cleaned by scraping away the infected or inflamed tissue. The goal of the procedure is to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that have accumulated in the pockets, which can cause gum disease.
During the procedure, the dentist numbs the area around the tooth and uses a small curette to gently scrape away the infected tissue. The curette is designed to remove the tissue without damaging the healthy surrounding tissue. The dentist may also use other instruments to clean the tooth roots and remove any remaining plaque or tartar.
Dental curettage is typically performed in combination with other periodontal treatments, such as scaling and root planing, to ensure that all the plaque and tartar are removed from the affected area. The procedure is typically performed as a minimally invasive procedure and is often successful in reducing the depth of the periodontal pockets and improving gum health.