Frequently Asked Questions
Is gum curettage painful?
Not during your appointment, as a local numbing gel or injection keeps the entire quadrant comfortable. Afterward, gums might feel a bit tender or sensitive to cold drinks for a day or two, but simple over-the-counter pain relief and warm salt rinses manage it easily.
How long does healing take after gum curettage?
Most patients notice the initial tenderness settling down within 48 to 72 hours. For deeper pockets, the gum tissue takes around 2 to 4 weeks to firm up and reattach properly against the clean tooth root surfaces, especially if you follow good brushing habits.
How is curettage different from standard scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing removes hard tartar deposits and smooths out rough root surfaces beneath the gumline. Gum curettage goes a step further by gently clearing away the infected, inflamed soft tissue lining inside the pocket itself, allowing fresh tissue to heal.
Can gum curettage prevent permanent tooth loss?
Yes. When chronic gum pockets are left untreated, destructive bacteria slowly erode the supporting jawbone. By clearing out active bacterial colonies and allowing gums to fit snugly against roots, deep dental cleaning in Ryde halts bone loss and keeps natural teeth firmly grounded.
What is the cost of gum curettage in Australia?
The overall fee depends on how many quadrants require attention and the depth of infection. Because treatment is tailored after an initial periodontal assessment, costs vary. Most Australian private health funds with dental cover provide rebates under general or major dental categories.
How soon can I eat and drink after the procedure?
You can drink water right away, but it is best to avoid hot liquids or chewing food until the local anaesthetic completely wears off. For the first 24 to 48 hours, stick to soft, lukewarm meals and avoid crunchy or spicy foods.
Is gum curettage a surgical procedure?
No, it is classified as a conservative, non-surgical gum disease treatment. No incisions or stitches are involved. The clinician uses precise hand instruments or ultrasonic tips to gently clean out pocket debris, making recovery far quicker than surgical flap procedures.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance after curettage?
After completing your treatment, your dentist will typically review pocket depths at 3 to 4 months. Because periodontitis bacteria can repopulate, regular supportive periodontal cleans every 3 to 6 months are crucial to keep gum inflammation from returning.
