Curettage is the removal of tartar and inflamed tissue that has built up inside the gum pocket, followed by smoothing of the tooth root surface. It is usually done under local anaesthetic and planned for people with gum disease. It is not needed for healthy gums. This page is about curettage in dentistry; it is unrelated to the gynaecological procedure of the same name.
What is gum curettage?
In dentistry, curettage is also called subgingival cleaning or root planing. It aims to remove deposits inside the pocket between tooth and gum that normal brushing and standard scaling cannot reach.
In gum disease, bacterial plaque and tartar extend below the gum line down to the root surface. The gum separates from the root and forms a "pocket". As these pockets deepen over time, inflammation continues and the bone that holds the tooth can be affected. Curettage cleans out these deposits and smooths the root surface so the gum can reattach to the root. We explain how tartar forms in detail on the what is tartar page.
Who needs gum curettage?
The decision for curettage is made at the examination, with gum pocket measurements and an X-ray if needed. It may come up in the following situations:
- Deep gum pockets: Pockets of 4 mm or more on measurement, especially when bleeding is present.
- Persistent gum bleeding and swelling: Bleeding that does not stop despite standard cleaning. Our bleeding gums page covers the causes.
- Tartar below the gum line: Deposits seen below the gum line on an X-ray or at examination, such as black tartar .
- Persistent bad breath: Caused by bacteria and inflammation in the pocket. See our bad breath page.
- Receding gums and a feeling of loose teeth: The periodontal condition is assessed at the examination.
If the gums are healthy and there are no pockets, curettage is not needed; in that case a scale and polish is enough.
How is gum curettage done?
Curettage is usually planned area by area. A typical session consists of the following steps:
- Examination and measurement: Teeth, gums and pocket depths are assessed; an X-ray is taken if needed.
- Local anaesthesia: The area to be treated is numbed, so that you should feel no pain during the procedure.
- Subgingival cleaning: Tartar and inflamed tissue inside the pocket are removed with an ultrasonic tip and fine hand instruments.
- Root planing: The root surface is made smooth so that bacteria cannot easily reattach.
- Rinsing: The area is rinsed with an antiseptic solution.
- Advice: Brushing technique and the use of dental floss and interdental brushes are explained to suit you.
- Review: A few weeks later, pocket depths and the condition of the gums are assessed again.
The difference between scaling and curettage
The two procedures are not interchangeable; the area treated and the purpose are different.
| Feature | Scale and polish | Curettage |
|---|---|---|
| Area treated | Tooth surface and gum line | Inside the gum pocket and the root surface |
| Who is it for? | People with healthy or mildly inflamed gums | People with pockets and gum disease |
| Anaesthesia | Usually not needed | Local anaesthetic is usually given |
| Sessions | Usually a single session | One or several sessions depending on the areas |
Standard cleaning is described in detail on the scale and polish page.
Does curettage hurt?
Because curettage is done under local anaesthetic, you should not feel pain during the procedure; you may feel vibration, water and light pressure. Once the numbness wears off, there may be gum tenderness, mild soreness and cold sensitivity for a few days. These symptoms ease within days for most people and usually settle with everyday pain relievers. Ask your dentist which medicine you can take. If you are anxious, just tell us at the start of the session; the procedure can be paused.
Recovery and aftercare after curettage
Gums usually start to heal within one to two weeks after curettage. These precautions help during that time:
- Avoid eating until the numbness wears off; do not bite your lip or cheek.
- Limit hard, hot, spicy and grainy foods on the first day.
- Clean the treated area gently with a soft brush; do not stop brushing.
- Use the mouthwash or gel your dentist recommends as instructed.
- Smoking slows gum healing; if possible, do not smoke for the first few days.
- Light bleeding may occur in the first days. If bleeding continues or swelling increases, contact the clinic.
Pocket depth is measured again after healing. Regular check-ups and home care are essential to keep the result; gum disease can return if care is neglected.
How many sessions does curettage take?
The number of sessions depends on how many areas have pockets. Some people finish the whole mouth in a single appointment; others in two to four sessions, done by quarter or half jaw. Treating one area usually takes 30–60 minutes. The exact plan is made at the examination after the measurements.
Curettage and teeth whitening
Whitening is not done while gum disease is present; gum treatment is completed first. Inflamed gums are more sensitive to gel and light, and sensitivity can increase. Once the gums have healed, suitability is reassessed and whitening is planned. For details, see the cleaning and whitening page.
Booking curettage in Ankara Çankaya
Curettage is planned together with the examination at our clinic in Oran, Ankara Çankaya. First your gum pockets are measured, then the treatment steps and review interval suited to you are set.
The clinic is in Park Oran Ofis and is open Monday–Saturday, 09:00–19:30. For appointments and directions, use the contact page, or reach us by phone or WhatsApp on 0312 911 60 36.
Frequently asked questions
How long does curettage take?
Curettage of one area usually takes 30–60 minutes. For people with many gum pockets, the treatment can be split into several sessions, jaw by jaw or area by area. The plan is made at the examination.
When can I eat after curettage?
You can eat once the local anaesthetic has worn off. Avoiding hard, very hot, spicy and grainy foods on the first day helps the gums rest.
Does curettage loosen teeth?
No. Loose teeth result from gum disease gradually destroying the tissue that holds the tooth. Curettage aims to bring that disease under control. After cleaning, the swelling in the gums goes down, so the gaps between teeth may look more noticeable.
Do gums recede after curettage?
As inflamed, swollen gums heal, they firm up and can look slightly receded. This is a natural result of the diseased tissue reducing. Noticeable recession is assessed separately at an examination.
What can be done instead of curettage?
If gum disease is at an early stage, standard scaling and oral hygiene instruction may be enough. If the pockets are very deep and there is no response to curettage, gum surgery is considered. Which is suitable is decided at the examination.
Can curettage be done during pregnancy?
Gum disease can progress faster in pregnancy, so treatment should not be postponed, but timing matters. The second trimester is mostly preferred. The plan is made together with the doctor following your pregnancy.
Related pages
Scale and Polish in Ankara: Scaling and Polishing in ÇankayaUltrasonic cleaning, polishing and air-powder polishing; how often it is done and whether it hurts.
What Is Tartar? How It Differs from Plaque, Signs and PreventionLearn how tartar forms and why it affects your gum health.
Black Tartar: Causes and CleaningDark deposits under the gum and subgingival cleaning.
Bleeding Gums: Causes and When It Is SeriousThe causes of gum bleeding and when an examination is needed.
Teeth Whitening in Çankaya and OranThe first examination and appointment process at our clinic in Oran.Suitability is decided at an examination. Fill in the form or call us to book an appointment.
Last updated: 2026-11-05 · This page is for general information only and does not replace an examination or diagnosis.