What is root planing and subgingival curettage
Emma Miller
Updated on April 16, 2026
Root planing is the smoothing of the subgingival root surfaces with a curette. The objective of root planing is to remove deposits and cementum in an attempt to achieve gingival reattachment. 146. What is gingival curettage? Curettage is the removal of the gingival sulcular lining of the periodontal pocket.
What is a subgingival curettage?
[ sŭb-jĭn′jə-vəl, -jĭn-jī′- ] n. The removal of subgingival calculus or ulcerated epithelial and granulomatous tissues from periodontal pockets with a curette.
What is the purpose of curettage?
Curettage includes the use of a curette for a dental procedure. It is used for scraping and has effectively been applied in the treatment of periodontitis. Gingival curettage is considered a surgical procedure. It uses a curette to, from a periodontal pocket, remove soft tissue lining.
What is root planing for teeth?
Scaling and root planing involves scraping away tartar from your teeth and under your gum line. It’s done with either a hand-held scraper or an ultrasonic device that uses vibrations to loosen and remove plaque.Can root planing damage teeth?
The risks of teeth scaling are minimal. You may be at risk for infection following the procedure, so your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic or a special mouthwash to use for a few days or weeks.
How long does it take for gums to heal after root planing?
On average, it takes anywhere from 5 to 7 days for the gums to heal after a deep cleaning. While your mouth is healing, you may experience some bleeding and swelling of the gums.
What is root planing and curettage?
What Is root planing/curettage? Root planing is a way of helping to halt gum disease. It involves ‘deep’ scaling, to clean parts of teeth below the gum line, which cannot be reached with a tooth- brush. Root planing cleans out the pockets, and re- moves plaque and tartar from the tooth roots.
How long does a scaling and root planing take?
Dental scaling and planing can often be done in a single, one or two-hour visit to the dentist. However, if you have numerous trouble spots or the infection is widespread, the dentist will usually work on one or two quadrants of your mouth per appointment.How often should root planing be done?
Individuals with healthy teeth and gums only need a regular dental checkup and cleaning twice a year; however, depending on the severity of your periodontitis, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, at least twice a year or more.
Is propofol used for D and C?Traditionally propofol has been used for providing sedation in dilatation and curettage (D and C).
Article first time published onCan teeth fall out during scaling and root planing?
The Risks involved This can lead to loose teeth, bone loss and teeth falling out. The risks that you might encounter are a discomfort or pain that worsens and does not diminish. The soft tissue may not heal as expected or you might even run a fever.
Can teeth fall out after deep cleaning?
Your teeth are not likely to fall out after deep cleaning; however, potential complications of this treatment include nerve damage in teeth, receding gums, tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, and infection.
Is root planing same as curettage?
Curettage is the removal of the gingival sulcular lining of the periodontal pocket. This procedure is frequently performed with root planing to promote gingival attachment.
What does curettage mean in dentistry?
Curettage is a more intensive treatment that corrects periodontal problems and is performed below the gumline. Curettage is a process where the gum is first scraped to remove tartar, then is polished and smoothed down to the root of the teeth.
How do I get rid of subgingival calculus?
Ultrasonic instruments. Ultrasonic instruments are the principle treatment modality for removing plaque and calculus. These power-driven instruments oscillate at very high speeds, causing micro vibrations that aid in calculus and subgingival plaque removal.
How long does a Pulpotomy take?
Timing: A pulpotomy can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, and in some cases, slightly longer.
Which instrument is used for subgingival scaling?
Periodontal curettes have one face, one or two cutting edges and a rounded back and rounded toe. They are typically the instrument of choice for subgingival calculus removal.
What is the difference between a curette and a scaler?
The major difference between the design of a scaler and a curette is in the shape of the blade. In cross section, the blade of a scaler is triangular, whereas a curette is semicircular. … Area-specific curettes, such as the Gracey curettes, are designed so that each blade adapts to a specific tooth surface or area.
Do gums reattach after deep cleaning?
Do gums reattach after deep cleaning? Yes, deep cleaning ensures gum reattachment by removing the obstructions, bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the roots of your teeth. By removing the infection and tartar, the dentist smoothens the roots, allowing your gums to heal around the teeth.
Do gums tighten after scaling?
Yes, your teeth will tighten after deep cleaning. During the dental deep cleaning, the dentist removes the plaque and tartar from your gum line and the pockets of space between your gums and teeth. The dentist also smoothens the teeth roots, allowing the gums to heal properly around the teeth.
Can gums swell after deep cleaning?
Be Aware of Worsening Pain and discomfort – after deep cleaning, you may feel that your gums have become swollen and tender. You may also notice that your teeth have become sensitive to hot and cold foods. Don’t worry; this is a transient situation; it should go away in a few days.
Is root planing safe?
Risks. Root planing and scaling can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Gum tissue is also at risk of infection. You may need to take antibiotics before and after surgery if you have a condition that puts you at high risk for a severe infection or if infections are particularly dangerous for you.
Do I really need scaling and root planing?
If the pockets between your gums and teeth are too deep, however, scaling and root planing may be needed. A July 2015 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association finds that scaling and root planing is beneficial to patients with chronic periodontitis (gum disease that has advanced past gingivitis).
What is the main cause of periodontal disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden.
Can receding gums grow back?
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it’s not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can’t be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
What can I expect after scaling and root planing?
After scaling and root planing is completed you may experience slight discomfort around the teeth for several days. You may notice some sensitivity to hot and cold (and sometimes sweets) for up to six weeks duration. This is a normal course of healing.
Can you eat after scaling and root planing?
Do NOT eat anything until the anesthesia wears off, as you might bite your lips, cheek, or tongue and cause damage.
Is D and C painful?
The procedure shouldn’t be painful. However, you may experience some cramping during the procedure. Your doctor may order some type of sedative for you to take beforehand so that you’ll be more relaxed.
How many days rest after D&C?
Post-D&C recovery time for a D&C procedure varies per patient but it’s typical to rest for 2-3 days after your D&C surgery. You should be able to resume your normal activities after your rest period. You may also be instructed to take off a full week if pain and discomfort is keeping you from your normal activities.
How long does it take for your cervix to heal after a D&C?
Generally, it may take 2-3 days for complete recovery. You can resume your daily routine within 1-2 days after the procedure. Although you may be instructed not to douche, use tampons, or engage in sexual activities for 2-3 days or a period recommended by the physician after the D&C.
Can a hygienist do root planing?
Scaling and root planing teeth, provided by either your dentist or dental hygienist, may take more than one appointment to complete, and a local anesthetic is often used to minimize any discomfort. Some periodontists compare scaling and root planing to having an irritating splinter removed from an infected finger.