Curettage of periodontal canals

The periodontal pocket is the space between the edge of the gums and the tooth. Normally, its depth doesn’t exceed 3 mm. If it increases, bacteria and plaque accumulate in the resulting space, which leads to a decrease in bone tissue around the tooth root.

Periodontal pocket curettage is a surgical procedure used to treat periodontal disease - the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. During this procedure, the periodontist removes accumulated plaque, tartar, and inflamed tissue from the space between the teeth and gums. Curettage of periodontal pockets helps reduce inflammation, improves periodontal health, and can stop the progression of periodontal disease.

This procedure can be recommended by the dentist after an examination and taking into account all the individual characteristics of the patient in the following cases:

•       Deep pockets: If a dental examination reveals deep periodontal pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums where bacterial plaque and tartar can accumulate).

•       Inflammation of the gums: if the patient has inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which can’t be controlled by regular hygiene and brushing of teeth.

•       Periodontitis: For more serious periodontal diseases such as periodontitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth), curettage may be recommended to reduce inflammation and improve periodontal health.

Curettage may also be performed as a preventative measure to maintain overall gum and periodontal health in cases where the dentist deems it necessary.

During the procedure, the periodontist uses special instruments and devices, in particular:

•       Vector is a system for professional hygienic teeth cleaning. It uses a jet of sodium bicarbonate to help remove plaque and tartar and polish the enamel, improving the appearance of your teeth.

•       Diode laser is used for a variety of procedures, including the treatment of gum inflammation, soft tissue removal, oral disinfection and others.

•       Erbium laser is used for various surgical and therapeutic procedures in dentistry, in particular the treatment of periodontitis.

•       Ultrasonic instrument is used for hygienic teeth cleaning, removal of plaque and tartar, as well as for therapeutic procedures.

•       Special curettes are instruments are used by dentists to clean the root surfaces of teeth and periodontal pockets under the gums. They help remove plaque and germ accumulation.

These techniques and tools are an important part of dental practice that helps provide quality oral care and dental health.

Curettage of periodontal pockets can vary in nature and depth of intervention depending on the condition of the periodontal tissues and the depth of the pockets. There are two main types of curettage:

•       Closed curettage. It’s performed when the periodontal pockets are shallow (up to 5 mm) and there is no bone loss. In the process of closed curettage, special instruments (curettes) are inserted through the gums and remove plaque, tartar and inflamed tissue from the internal surfaces of periodontal pockets. This method is suitable for less severe cases of periodontal inflammation.

•       Open curettage. It’s performed when the depth of periodontal pockets exceeds 5 mm, there are signs of severe inflammation and possible bone loss. During this procedure, an incision is made in the gums, giving the dentist access to deep pockets. After this, they are cleaned of plaque, tartar and inflamed tissue, as well as correction of bone tissue, if necessary.

The choice between closed and open curettage depends on important factors such as the depth and condition of periodontal pockets, the degree of inflammation, bone loss and other medical considerations.

This method helps restore periodontal health and improve the general condition of the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth.