GUM CURETTAGE MEMO

Closed curettage is performed without the incision of the gum and is meant to clean periodontal pockets and remove calculus buildup from the root’s surface. The procedure is suitable for periodontitis of mild and medium severity with the periodontal pockets no deeper than 5mm.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia using both ultrasound and regular tools. After 3-4 months, your dentist will measure the depth of your periodontal pockets again. They will either decrease in size or disappear completely.

If periodontal pockets are deeper than 5mm, an open (surgical) curettage is performed using Emdogane and/or substitute materials to restore the integrity of bone and ligaments.

To make the healing process more comfortable for you, we strongly suggest you follow these recommendations:

• You can have your first meal 2 hours after the procedure. The first couple of days, the food should be room temperature. It should be soft, nothing salty, spicy, or bitter; the food should not cause mouth irritation.
• During the 2-week postoperative period, do not brush your teeth and/or actively rinse your mouth. You can, however, and should treat it with a chlorhexidine solution.
• In the first 5 to 10 days after the surgery, you may experience the following: swelling and bruising, inability to open your mouth wide, soreness, temporary tooth mobility, as well as hypersensitivity to temperatures and acidic foods.
• Throughout the entire recovery period (especially during the first 2 weeks after suture removal) you should be extra careful when brushing your teeth: with a soft toothbrush apply a gentle sweeping motion away from the gums. You should never neglect to brush your teeth!
• Throughout the recovery period, you should abstain from smoking, snus, and alcohol.
• An inactive rinse (holding the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds) with a chlorhexidine solution helps to speed up the recovery process and reduce discomfort. Your dentist will give you additional recommendations if necessary, based on the patient’s condition and needs.
• Once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience aching pain, which may last for several days. In this case, we recommend the following:
  • refrain from chewing;
  • if necessary, take a painkiller recommended by your doctor;
  • if the pain gets worse, swelling appears, or you develop a fever, contact your dentist immediately.

After 3 to 6 months (as indicated by your dentist), it is necessary to conduct a re-examination to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment or to determine whether any additional procedures are required.