Dental curettage, a procedure to remove diseased tissue from the mouth and gums, is now less common and controversial among dentists. Scaling and root planing is a preferred alternative. Patients should ask why curettage is recommended and seek a second opinion.
Dental curettage is a procedure in which diseased tissue is removed from the mouth and gums. At one time, dental curettage was a common technique used to manage periodontal disease, but the practice has become much less common and is considered controversial by some dentists. Instead of curettage, some dentists prefer to perform a so-called “deep cleaning”, otherwise known as scaling and root planing.
In curettage procedures, tools are used to cut away dead tissue. The idea is that such tissue can contribute to inflammation, infection and bad odors, and that the removal of damaged tissue encourages the development of healthy tissue. There are several types of dental curettage, including ultrasonic curettage, which uses an ultrasonic dental instrument, and surgical curettage, in which a flap of gum is cut and rotated away so that a pocket of infected tissue can be cleaned out before it the flap is rotated back and fixed in place.
In basic dental curettage, a sharp instrument is run into the gum pockets in front of the teeth to remove dead tissue, and any dead or infected tissue will be removed from the gums. Local anesthetic is often used to make the patient more comfortable, and the mouth is often washed with a sterile solution to sweep out any debris. This procedure is usually given to people with advanced gum disease as a tool for managing the problem and may be requested on multiple occasions.
Studies have suggested that scaling and root planing can be just as effective, especially when done at an early stage. In this procedure, built-up tartar is removed from the teeth with hand tools, and the roots of the teeth are smoothed out so they do not provide a surface for plaque to build up on. Several sessions are often required, and patients may be given an anesthetic to make them feel more comfortable, as the procedure can be mildly painful.
If a dentist recommends curettage, patients shouldn’t be afraid to ask specifically why curettage is recommended, as opposed to more modern treatments. It may not be a bad idea to seek a second opinion to confirm that this treatment is appropriate. Patients should also consult their insurance companies to confirm that curettage is covered, as they may be required to pay for the procedure if an insurance company decides it is not medically necessary or that alternative treatment is available.
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