Normally, the gums fit tightly to the tooth. There is a very small space between them - this is normal and does not cause any problems. But when the gums become inflamed, this attachment weakens, the space deepens, and a pocket is formed.

Inside the pocket, bacteria live very well: warm, dark, no oxygen. They release toxins that destroy the walls of the pocket and penetrate the bone. The deeper the pocket, the more serious the situation.

A pocket up to 3 mm is the norm. From 4 mm, the doctor speaks of a pathology that needs to be treated, the less the intervention and the better the prognosis.

Curettage is prescribed for mild to moderate periodontitis, when the pocket depth is from 4 to 6 mm. Indications for the procedure:

• Periodontitis with periodontal pockets 4–6 mm deep
• Subgingival tartar that cannot be removed with regular cleaning
• Inflammation that does not go away after professional hygiene
• Preparation for implantation: the condition of the periodontium is checked before surgery
• Supportive therapy for chronic periodontitis

At a depth of 6 mm or more with one closed curettage there is no way around it - we need a patchwork operation.

Closed curettage

The doctor works with special instruments - curettes - through the gingival margin without an incision. This is the main method for pockets up to 6 mm. Under anesthesia, the procedure is painless. The doctor cleans the pocket walls, smoothes the root surface and removes altered tissue.

Closed curettage is carried out in stages: during one visit, one or several sextants - sections of the dentition are treated. The total number of visits depends on how many teeth are affected.

Open curettage (flap operation)

For deep pockets, the doctor makes a small incision, peels off the gum and gains direct access to the root and bone tissue. This allows you to thoroughly clean the entire area and, if necessary, restore bone volume.

All procedures in our clinic are performed under anesthesia, so that you do not feel pain. If the patient is very worried, we have sedation and anesthesia available.

For the first 2-3 days, the gums may ache and look a little swollen. This is a normal reaction to instrumental intervention, it goes away on its own. The doctor will prescribe painkillers and antiseptic rinses.

For recovery to go well, you should follow a few simple rules:

• Soft food in the first 2-3 days
• Careful cleaning in the intervention area
• Quitting smoking: it slows down healing and reduces the result of the procedure
• Come for a follow-up visit: the doctor will check how the tissue has healed and whether the depth has decreased pockets

The result is assessed after 4-6 weeks. In most patients, the depth of the pockets after curettage decreases by 1-2 mm, the inflammation goes away, and the gums stop bleeding.

If the dentist told you about periodontal pockets or your gums are bothering you, come for a consultation with a periodontist at KAN in Tashkent. The doctor will measure the depth of the pockets, assess the condition of the bone tissue and tell you whether curettage is needed in your case.

Call by phone +998 (78) 113-73-33 or leave a request - the administrator will call you back and select a convenient time.

Address: Tashkent, Mirzo Ulugbek st., 51B - Mon-Sat from 9:00 to 21:00, Sunday - closed.

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