Closed curettage/tooth

Cleaning teeth and periodontal pockets from plaque and pathological contents is a mandatory component of treatment of periodontal tissues. For this purpose, open and closed curettage is performed. What is gum curettage?

The procedure helps to remove tartar, granulations, soft plaque with the help of specially designed tools.

A pathological gum pocket is a sign of periodontitis and a serious problem that needs to be treated as soon as possible. Until the pocket is closed, the disease will not go away, and cleaning itself contributes to this (closure). Without timely help from a dentist, an abscess may develop, which in the future leads to loosening and loss of teeth.

Indications and contraindications

The effectiveness of the procedure is proven. Curettage is a way to prevent complications in periodontitis and stop the pathological process.

Periodontal tissue is a tissue that can become inflamed if daily hygiene is violated, and therefore there is a risk of developing diseases. If nothing is done, there is a possibility of tooth loss.

Indications for curettage:

poor oral hygiene – this is indicated by stone and plaque accumulating on the teeth, which provoke the multiplication of bacteria. inflammation of the gums, an increase in the periodontal space;
any inflammation in the mouth, for example, gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue) and others that can turn into periodontitis;
injuries – can occur due to an attempt to gnaw on hard objects, including nuts;
weak immunity is especially dangerous if there is a tendency to periodontitis.

There are no contraindications as such. These include inflammatory and acute respiratory diseases. Also, the decision whether to carry out the procedure or not is made individually in the presence of diabetes of the uncompensated type, poor coagulation and blood diseases.

After the procedure, most patients note the following improvements:

The enamel becomes smooth, and less plaque accumulates on it.
Bleeding and soreness of the gums passes.
Large pockets become smaller, and small ones close completely.
Inflammation subsides.
The wobbliness of the teeth decreases.
The gums acquire a natural, healthy color.

In general, if a large periodontal pocket is observed, periodontitis treatment should be carried out without fail and preferably as soon as possible. This allows you to avoid worsening the situation.

Closed curettage

When performing closed curettage, no incisions are made in the gums, and their integrity is not violated. The depth of the pockets should exceed 3 mm, that is, the technique is suitable for a mild form of periodontitis. If this procedure is carried out at an advanced stage of the disease, it will only provide a temporary improvement.

Closed curettage is performed as follows:

local anesthesia;
cleaning from stone, plaque and granulations;
treatment with sodium chloride;
applying a bandage.

here are several methods of closed curettage. They differ in equipment, duration and price. The procedure is always performed under local anesthesia, so it does not cause discomfort.

Mechanical

A metal hook is used. It is inserted under the gums and manual scraping of hard deposits is carried out. They accumulate on the exposed tooth root.

Ultrasonic

Such curettage of the tooth is performed with the help of special equipment that effectively breaks the stone. Its removal is carried out under pressure using an antiseptic solution. It also allows you to wash out pathogenic microflora from the gingival pockets.

Laser

A modern option is laser curettage. It is distinguished by bloodlessness and the absence of the need to apply a bandage. Usually used only after ultrasonic or mechanical.

The duration of the procedure when choosing any of the methods is about 30-60 minutes.

Open curettage

Open curettage of the gums is a necessary procedure. It differs from the closed technique in that it is a full-fledged surgical operation with dissection of the gums.

If an open curettage is performed, part of the gum is peeled away to access the deep deposits. It is carried out for pocket depths of 3-6 mm.

Gum curettage is performed as follows:

pain relief;
detachment of the gum flap from the bone;
root cleaning;
administration of the drug for regeneration;
sewing;
applying a bandage.

Open curettage can be chosen as a method of treatment only as prescribed by a doctor. The specialist analyzes the patient’s condition, takes into account the indicators and makes a choice in favor of a specific method.

Rehabilitation period

Depending on which type of procedure was chosen, how the pockets between the teeth were cleaned, there may be different sensations, for example, tooth mobility, swelling, increased sensitivity. Usually, all the consequences that can be disturbing occur in 10-14 days with a closed technology of conduction or a little more with an open one. Increased sensitivity may persist for up to 2-3 weeks.

The gum pocket after cleaning will tighten faster and all the consequences will disappear if you follow the following recommendations:

it is not recommended to eat or drink within two hours after the procedure;
it is better not to eat irritating food in the first weeks of healing – these are hot, cold, spicy, sour foods;
it is desirable to eat soft food, without a lot of spices, for the first 2-3 weeks;
it is worth rinsing your mouth with disinfectant solutions 3-4 times a day, the doctor will give more specific recommendations;
it is not necessary to brush your teeth on the first day, for the next 2-3 weeks it is better to use a soft-bristled option;
it is advisable to avoid excessive physical exertion and shaking.

Curettage of periodontal pockets is part of complex treatment for periodontitis and other periodontal tissue diseases. The procedure itself cannot get rid of this disease. The need for the procedure and the choice of technique is considered in each case individually.