If your ignore gingivitis and do not treat it, inflammation will move toward the tooth root causing what is known as a “periodontal pocket.” Bacteria will set in this pocket because it has the ideal conditions to do so. Periodontal disease affects the supporting structures of the tooth, moving to other areas as the damage progresses. The problem with periodontitis is that symptoms often do not appear until the situation is severe. Unfortunately, the structural damage to teeth and the housing that support the teeth is difficult to reverse. The good news is that if Dentist in Neenah, WI catch the disease early, its progression can be halted and can be improved upon.
To stop the progression of periodontal disease, it is very possible that your dentist will recommend you undergo a curettage procedure or deep cleaning. The curettage eliminates bacteria from the periodontal pocket and provides the conditions necessary for healing to occur. Dental curettage basically involves scraping the surfaces of a tooth’s roots with instruments called “scalers.” This aims at scraping tartar that accumulates on the surfaces and then freeing them of impurities.
What is the difference between routine cleaning and curettage?
There is some confusion about the difference between normal cleaning and curettage. An ordinary cleaning is basically removing tartar from the tooth surface. A curettage involves reaching the bottom of periodontal pockets and removing contaminated scale deposits that are formed below the gum line. Depending on the depth of periodontal pockets, the amount of plaque accumulated on the surface of the root and the patient’s sensitivity, localized anesthesia may be needed to make the process less annoying. Normally, if periodontal pockets are not deep, the discomfort will be minimal, even without anesthesia. The only remarkable feeling may be that of “physical scaling” as the area is cleaned and smoothed.
How long does the curettage process last?
When periodontal pockets are deep and there is tartar on the roots of the teeth, curettage is usually divided into quadrants (one for each work session). For example, dentists will clean the upper right side of the mouth one day and the other three quadrants in as many different sessions. This allows sessions to be less durable than trying to do the whole mouth in one sitting. Your Douglas R. Nelson, Dentist in Neenah, WI will sit and discuss what treatment is best for you during your consultation visit.
