Gum curettage

Problems with the gums rarely occur suddenly. Most often, everything begins with minor discomfort, bleeding during tooth brushing, or bad breath. Over time, the inflammatory process may deepen, and periodontal pockets form between the teeth and gums — areas where bacterial deposits accumulate and the natural processes of tissue healing are disrupted.

In the absence of timely treatment, gum inflammation gradually progresses and may lead to damage of deeper periodontal structures. In such cases, as part of comprehensive treatment, the doctor may recommend gum curettage — a therapeutic procedure aimed at cleaning subgingival areas and stabilizing the condition of the tissues.

Gum curettage is a therapeutic dental procedure used in inflammatory periodontal diseases to clean subgingival areas and the surface of the tooth root. Unlike professional oral hygiene, which mainly affects supragingival and superficial deposits, curettage is aimed at treating deeper areas that are inaccessible to standard hygiene procedures.

In modern periodontology, the more correct term for this procedure is SRP (Scaling and Root Planing). It involves step-by-step removal of subgingival dental deposits and thorough treatment of the tooth root surface in order to eliminate factors that support the inflammatory process and to create conditions for the restoration of periodontal tissues.

Gum treatment using the SRP method is performed in cases where inflammation is localized beneath the gums and cannot be eliminated solely through hygiene measures. The main goal of the procedure is to reduce bacterial load in periodontal pockets, stabilize the condition of the gums, and achieve controlled tissue healing.

In a healthy state, the gums fit tightly against the teeth, and the depth of a periodontal pocket is 1–3 mm. These values are considered normal and represent the goal pursued during the treatment of periodontal diseases. At the same time, most people may have isolated localized areas with pocket depths of 4 mm or more, which does not always indicate the need for SRP.

In many cases, such localized changes can be stabilized using conservative treatment methods, including professional hygiene, inflammation control, and correction of oral care. Curettage is used when subgingival deposits sustain the inflammatory process and interfere with tissue recovery, and when previous stages of treatment do not provide sufficient results.

The appropriateness of the intervention is assessed by the doctor on an individual basis, taking into account the patient’s overall health condition.

The procedure is not performed or is postponed in the following cases:

• presence of an acute inflammatory process in the oral cavity accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or purulent discharge;

• general diseases or conditions in which any dental interventions are recommended to be temporarily postponed;

• blood clotting disorders or the use of medications that increase the risk of bleeding;

• increased sensitivity or pronounced tissue inflammation that requires preliminary anti-inflammatory treatment.

In most cases, these limitations are temporary. After elimination of acute inflammation, stabilization of the general condition, or adjustment of medication therapy, treatment may be continued according to an individual plan.

Before performing the procedure, the doctor evaluates the condition of the tissues, possible risks, and selects the optimal timing and scope of the intervention to ensure that the treatment is safe and effective.

Before cleaning the subgingival areas, the doctor performs a clinical examination, assesses the condition of the gums and the depth of periodontal pockets, and determines the appropriateness and scope of the intervention. If necessary, additional diagnostic measures or preliminary anti-inflammatory treatment may be prescribed.

As a rule, preparation includes professional oral hygiene. It helps reduce the amount of supragingival deposits, decrease bacterial load, and improve access to subgingival areas during the subsequent procedure.

On the day of the procedure, it is recommended to follow the usual diet and hygiene routine, unless the doctor has provided other individual recommendations. Any concomitant diseases or medications being taken should be reported to the doctor in advance to ensure proper treatment planning.

After the procedure, it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations to reduce discomfort and create optimal conditions for tissue recovery. The rehabilitation period usually proceeds without complications when proper care is maintained.

After cleaning the subgingival areas, it is recommended to:

• avoid consuming hard, hot, or spicy foods during the first days after the procedure;

• maintain thorough but gentle oral hygiene in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations;

• use the prescribed oral care products;

• attend follow-up visits to assess the healing process.

Following these recommendations helps stabilize tissue condition, reduce the risk of recurrent inflammation, and achieve a predictable treatment outcome.

The cost of treatment is determined individually and is formed taking into account the chosen approach (closed or open curettage), as well as the number of areas that require cleaning.

You can review the current prices for the services of a private clinic in Kyiv in advance here. More precise information regarding the advisability of the procedure, the method of its performance, and, accordingly, the cost will be provided by the dentist after an examination.

The SRP procedure is always performed as part of comprehensive therapy. The doctor develops a personalized treatment plan for periodontal tissues in order to achieve the required therapeutic effect.

By contacting «Oxford Medical», you can receive high-quality medical services in Kyiv at any of our dental clinics located in different districts of the city.

To schedule a consultation, obtain detailed information about treatment options, and уточнить the cost, please contact us in a way that is convenient for you — by phone or through the online appointment form on the website. The doctor will help assess the condition of your gums and propose a well-founded treatment plan according to your clinical situation.