Root planing and curettage are periodontal procedures commonly used to treat gum disease and restore gum health. Root planing involves thoroughly cleaning and smoothing the tooth roots to remove bacterial plaque, calculus, and toxins accumulated below the gum line, contributing to inflammation and infection. This process helps to eliminate bacteria and create a smooth surface on the tooth roots, promoting gum reattachment and reducing periodontal pocket depths.

Curettage, on the other hand, involves the removal of the diseased or inflamed soft tissue lining the periodontal pockets, allowing for better access to the root surfaces during root planing. At Summerland Dental, these procedures are essential components of non-surgical periodontal therapy. They are designed to halt the progression of gum disease, reduce gingival inflammation, and promote the regeneration of healthy periodontal tissues.

Root Planing

Root planing involves meticulously cleaning and smoothing the tooth roots to remove accumulated plaque and calculus. This process is typically performed using specialized instruments called scalers and curettes inserted below the gum line to access the root surfaces. Root planing aims to eliminate bacterial toxins and create a smooth, clean surface on the tooth roots, allowing the gums to reattach and heal.

The root planing procedure typically begins with administering local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Our Summerland Key, FL, dentist uses ultrasonic scalers and manual instruments to remove plaque and calculus deposits from the tooth roots and periodontal pockets. The process may take multiple appointments, each focusing on specific areas of the mouth to ensure thorough cleaning and optimal results.

Curettage

Curettage is often performed in conjunction with root planing and involves the removal of diseased or inflamed soft tissue lining the periodontal pockets. This soft tissue, the epithelial lining, can harbor bacteria and contribute to ongoing inflammation and infection if left untreated. Curettage allows for better access to the root surfaces during root planing and promotes the regeneration of healthy gum tissue.

During the curettage procedure, our dentist in Summerland Key, FL, uses specialized curettes to gently scrape and remove the epithelial lining from the inner surface of the periodontal pockets. This process helps to eliminate diseased tissue, reduce inflammation, and create a favorable environment for gum healing and attachment. Curettage may be performed using local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and multiple appointments may be necessary to address all affected areas thoroughly.

The Benefits of Root Planing and Curettage

Halting the Progression of Gum Disease

Root planing and curettage in Summerland Key, FL, are highly effective in halting the progression of gum disease by removing bacterial plaque, calculus, and diseased tissue from below the gum line. By eliminating these harmful factors, these procedures help to reduce inflammation, prevent further damage to the periodontal tissues, and promote gum healing.

Preservation of Natural Teeth

Root planing and curettage can help preserve natural teeth and prevent tooth loss by addressing gum disease and promoting gum health. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Still, timely intervention with periodontal therapy can halt the progression of the disease and allow patients to maintain their natural dentition for years to come.

Reduction of Periodontal Pocket Depths

Periodontal pockets, or spaces between the gums and teeth, can deepen due to gum disease, allowing bacteria to accumulate and exacerbate the condition. Root planing and curettage help to reduce periodontal pocket depths by removing plaque, calculus, and diseased tissue from these areas, promoting gum reattachment and preventing further pocket formation.

Improved Oral Health and Function

By promoting gum healing and reducing inflammation, root planing and curettage can improve oral health and function. Patients may experience reduced gum bleeding, swelling, and tenderness, improved teeth attachment, and enhanced chewing and speaking abilities. For more information, contact us today!

The Procedure for Root Planing and Curettage

Our dentist in Summerland Key, FL, performs a comprehensive examination of the patient's oral health, including a visual inspection of the gums, measurement of periodontal pocket depths, and assessment of gum inflammation and attachment levels. Local anesthesia may be administered to numb the treatment area and ensure patient comfort during the procedure. This helps to minimize any discomfort or sensitivity associated with root planing and curettage.

The dentist or dental hygienist carefully removes plaque and calculus deposits from the tooth roots and periodontal pockets using specialized instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers and manual curettes. This process may take multiple appointments, each focusing on specific areas of the mouth to ensure thorough cleaning and optimal results.

After root planing, the dentist may perform a curettage to remove the diseased or inflamed soft tissue lining the periodontal pockets. This helps to eliminate bacteria and create a clean, healthy environment for gum healing and attachment.

Following root planing and curettage, patients are typically instructed to maintain good oral hygiene practices at home, including brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using antimicrobial mouthwash as recommended. Patients may also be placed on a regular maintenance schedule for professional cleanings and periodontal evaluations to monitor gum health and prevent disease recurrence.

If you're experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, gum recession, or persistent bad breath, visit Summerland Dental at 24986 Overseas Hwy, Summerland Key, FL 33042, or call (305) 745-1522 to discuss whether root planing and curettage may be correct for you. You can enjoy healthy gums and a beautiful smile for years with timely intervention and proper treatment.