Subgingival Curettage and Periodontal Treatment: What Deep Cleaning Means
Subgingival curettage is a procedure used in periodontal therapy when regular scaling is no longer enough to clean the areas affected by inflammation. This deep cleaning has the role of removing bacterial plaque and tartar located below the gumline, where brushing and simple professional cleaning cannot reach effectively.
In many cases, patients visit the dentist because of bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, or tooth mobility. These signs may indicate gum inflammation or, in more advanced forms, periodontitis.
In this article, we explain what subgingival curettage means, when it may be recommended, how it differs from regular scaling, and why maintenance check-ups are important after treatment.
What is subgingival curettage
Subgingival curettage is a professional cleaning performed below the gumline, in the spaces formed between the tooth and the gum. The goal is to remove bacteria, tartar, and inflamed tissues that maintain periodontal disease.
In medical literature, the procedure is included in non-surgical periodontal treatments and aims to reduce biofilm and tartar below the gumline. European periodontal guidelines describe subgingival instrumentation as an important part of periodontitis treatment.
In short, subgingival curettage is not a simple professional cleaning. It is a procedure recommended when inflammation has advanced and when there are deposits or bacteria in deeper areas.
Regular scaling vs. periodontal therapy
Regular scaling is recommended for removing visible tartar from the surface of the teeth and from the gumline area. It is a preventive and maintenance procedure, useful for maintaining oral health.
Periodontal therapy, on the other hand, is recommended when there are signs that the gums and the tissues supporting the teeth are affected. In periodontitis, the gums may recede, deeper spaces can form between the tooth and the gum, and bacteria can accumulate in these areas. Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is used to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline.
The main difference is this:
- regular scaling mainly cleans the visible surfaces of the teeth;
- subgingival curettage cleans deeper areas affected by inflammation;
- periodontal therapy may include several sessions, monitoring, and maintenance check-ups.
When subgingival curettage may be recommended
Subgingival curettage may be recommended after a consultation and a periodontal evaluation. The dentist checks the condition of the gums, the depth of periodontal pockets, the level of inflammation, and possible signs of bone loss.
The procedure may be necessary when the following signs appear:
- frequent gum bleeding;
- inflamed or sensitive gums;
- tartar accumulated below the gumline;
- persistent bad breath;
- gum recession;
- periodontal pockets;
- tooth mobility;
- a diagnosis of periodontitis.
Not every case of gum bleeding automatically means periodontitis, but it is a sign that should be investigated. The earlier inflammation is evaluated, the simpler and more effective the treatment can be.
If you notice gum bleeding, inflammation, or persistent bad breath, it is recommended to schedule a consultation. At Implantis, the dentist can evaluate the condition of your gums and tell you whether you need regular scaling or periodontal therapy.
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How deep cleaning is performed
The treatment begins with an evaluation of the gums and the identification of the affected areas. Depending on the situation, the dentist may recommend X-rays, periodontal measurements, and dividing the treatment into several sessions.
During the procedure, the dentist cleans the deposits located below the gumline and on the root surfaces. In some cases, local anesthesia may be used for the patient’s comfort, especially if the areas are sensitive or the inflammation is advanced.
Deep cleaning aims to:
- remove subgingival tartar;
- reduce the amount of bacteria;
- clean the root surfaces;
- reduce inflammation;
- create better conditions for gum healing.
After the procedure, temporary sensitivity, mild discomfort, or slight bleeding may occur. The dentist provides recommendations for home care and establishes when the next check-up is needed.
Reducing inflammation: the main goal of periodontal therapy
The purpose of periodontal therapy is not only to remove tartar, but to reduce the inflammation that affects the gums and the supporting tissues of the teeth.
Inflammation occurs when bacteria accumulate and irritate the gums. If the process continues, it can progress to periodontitis, a condition that can affect the bone and the stability of the teeth.
Through subgingival curettage, proper hygiene, and monitoring, the dentist aims to reduce inflammation and stabilize the disease. The result depends not only on the in-office procedure, but also on how well the patient follows the oral hygiene recommendations.
Why maintenance check-ups matter
After periodontal treatment, maintenance check-ups are essential. Periodontitis is not a problem that is permanently solved in a single session, but a condition that must be monitored.
During maintenance check-ups, the dentist can verify:
- whether inflammation has decreased;
- whether the gums are responding well to treatment;
- whether there are areas that require additional cleaning;
- whether oral hygiene is effective;
- whether periodontal pockets have stabilized;
- whether the treatment plan needs to be adjusted.
The frequency of check-ups depends on the severity of the case and the response to treatment. In some situations, the patient may need more frequent visits than for a regular professional cleaning.
Maintenance check-up after periodontal treatment
If you have already had periodontal treatment, do not postpone maintenance check-ups. They help the dentist monitor the evolution of your gums and intervene early if inflammation returns.
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The importance of oral hygiene after subgingival curettage
Home care plays a very important role after periodontal therapy. Even if the dentist cleans the deep areas, bacterial plaque forms daily, and without a proper routine inflammation can return.
The dentist may recommend:
- proper brushing twice a day;
- interdental brushes;
- dental floss, where indicated;
- an oral irrigator, in certain cases;
- mouthwash recommended temporarily;
- periodic check-ups and professional cleanings.
Not all products are suitable for every patient. That is why recommendations must be adapted according to the spaces between the teeth, sensitivity, existing dental work, implants, or the degree of periodontal damage.
The benefits of deep cleaning
Subgingival curettage can play an important role in stabilizing gum health, especially when it is part of a complete periodontal therapy plan.
The benefits may include:
- reduced gum inflammation;
- less bleeding during brushing;
- removal of subgingival tartar;
- reduction of bacteria from periodontal pockets;
- stabilization of periodontitis;
- fresher breath;
- prevention of worsening gum problems;
- better monitoring through regular check-ups.
For the patient, the main benefit is that the treatment helps control a problem that, if left untreated, can affect tooth stability over time.
Frequently asked questions about subgingival curettage
1. Is subgingival curettage the same as scaling?
No. Regular scaling mainly cleans visible tartar from the teeth and from the gumline. Subgingival curettage cleans in depth, below the gumline, in areas affected by inflammation or periodontitis.
2. Is subgingival curettage painful?
Discomfort depends on the patient’s sensitivity and the degree of inflammation. In many cases, the procedure can be performed with local anesthesia so that the patient is more comfortable.
3. How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions depends on the severity of the case and the number of affected areas. Sometimes the treatment is performed by arches or quadrants, and the dentist establishes the plan after the periodontal evaluation.
4. Is periodontitis permanently cured after curettage?
Subgingival curettage helps reduce inflammation and stabilize the disease, but periodontitis requires monitoring. Maintenance check-ups and proper oral hygiene are essential to prevent inflammation from returning.
Conclusion
Subgingival curettage is a deep cleaning procedure recommended when there is gum inflammation, subgingival tartar, or signs of periodontitis. Unlike regular scaling, periodontal therapy aims to clean deeper areas and reduce the inflammation that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth.
Effective treatment does not stop with the in-office procedure. Maintenance check-ups, proper oral hygiene, and periodic monitoring are essential for stabilizing the results.
Book a consultation at Implantis if you have bleeding gums, inflammation, or signs that may indicate periodontitis. The dentist can recommend the right steps, from regular scaling to periodontal therapy.
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