You just received scaling and root planing — the most effective treatment for fighting gum disease. Your mouth just went through a deep procedure. Care over the next few weeks is decisive for treatment success and your gum health long-term.

What is curettage and what was done today?

Dental curettage (also called scaling and root planing, or SRP) is the reference treatment for periodontitis — the bacterial infection that destroys the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. It is not a conventional dental cleaning: it goes much deeper.

Difference between dental cleaning and curettage:

Dental cleaning (prophylaxis)

Depth: Above the gum line
Goal: Remove surface tartar and plaque
Anesthesia: No anesthesia required

Curettage (SRP)

Depth: Below the gum line — down to the root
Goal: Remove tartar, bacteria and diseased tissue from the root
Anesthesia: Requires local anesthesia

What was done in your procedure:

Local anesthesia was administered to ensure comfort throughout.
Specialized instruments (curettes) were inserted under the gum to access the tooth root.
Mineralized tartar (calculus) adhered to the root surface was removed.
Bacterial plaque and infectious biofilm from periodontal pockets was eliminated.
The root surface was smoothed (root planing) to remove irregularities where bacteria adhere.
In many cases the area was irrigated with antiseptic solution to reduce bacterial load.
The procedure may be done in 1-4 appointments depending on disease extent.

By quadrants: Curettage is generally performed by quadrants (1/4 of the mouth per appointment) to better manage anesthesia, time and recovery. Today one or two quadrants were treated — subsequent appointments will complete the rest.

Curettage treats active disease. However, periodontitis is a chronic condition — it can be controlled but not definitively ‘cured.’ Lifelong periodontal maintenance is essential to prevent its return.

After the Anesthesia

What you’ll feel leaving the clinic

Anesthesia can last 2 to 4 hours after the procedure. Half of your mouth (the side where curettage was performed) will be numb.

Don’t eat until sensation returns (Important): With the area numb you can bite your cheek, lip or tongue without feeling it. Wait until the anesthesia has completely worn off before eating. You can drink cool liquids carefully from the untreated side.
Take the pain reliever before the effect wears off (Important): At 2-3 hours after the procedure, when the anesthesia starts to wear off, is the ideal time to take the prescribed pain reliever. Don’t wait until it hurts intensely — it’s much harder to control established pain.
Sensation of tension or pressure in the gum: It’s normal to feel the gum tense, swollen or pressured when sensation returns. The instruments worked under the gum and there is normal inflammatory response.

Cold — Your Best Ally the First Hours

Apply cold compresses or ice wrapped in cloth on the cheek of the treated side during the first 6 hours: 20 minutes with cold, 20 minutes rest. Cold significantly reduces inflammation and pain. NEVER apply heat — it worsens inflammation.

Pain and Inflammation: What to Expect

The normal progression after curettage

Curettage is more invasive than a conventional cleaning, so recovery is more noticeable. The degree of discomfort depends on how many teeth were treated, the depth of the periodontal pockets and the extent of infection.

Hours 1-6 (Normal) — Discomfort begins: As anesthesia wears off, pain or pressure sensation appears in the gum. There may be mild bleeding to the touch. Take the prescribed pain reliever and apply cold to the cheek.
Day 1-2 (Normal) — Peak inflammation: Gum is inflamed, red and sensitive. There may be mild bleeding when brushing. Teeth may feel sensitive especially to cold. The most uncomfortable period.
Day 3-5 (Improving) — Progressive improvement: Inflammation begins to reduce. Pain clearly decreases. Cold sensitivity starts to improve. You can start tolerating more foods.
Week 1-2 (Good) — Notable recovery: Gum heals and adapts. May look more receded than before — this is normal, it means the inflammation resolved. Thermal sensitivity is subsiding.
Week 2-4 (Good) — Initial evaluation: At this stage the dentist evaluates tissue response. Periodontal pockets should have reduced. Gum should look firmer and a healthy pink color.

It is very common for teeth to look longer and be sensitive to cold after curettage. This occurs because the inflamed gum (which was covering the root) reduced upon healing. The exposed root lacks enamel and is sensitive to cold. This sensitivity decreases over time and can be treated with fluoride varnish or desensitizing toothpastes.

Post-Curettage Medication

Take medications exactly as prescribed

IMPORTANT: Start the pain reliever BEFORE the anesthesia wears off completely — 2-3 hours after the procedure. This prevents intense pain much more effectively than taking it once it’s already hurting.

Pain Reliever / Anti-inflammatory

Ibuprofen 400-600mg or Naproxen

The first option. In addition to relieving pain, it reduces gum inflammation — the main cause of discomfort. Take with food. Follow the prescribed schedule for the first 2-3 days even if pain is tolerable.

Antibiotic

As prescribed — Amoxicillin, Metronidazole or other

Prescribed when periodontal infection is severe or when there is systemic risk. If prescribed, it is ESSENTIAL to complete the full course. Stopping early can allow bacteria to return more resistant and compromise curettage results.

Chlorhexidine Rinse

0.12% — as indicated

Your most important ally post curettage. Chlorhexidine is the most effective antiseptic against periodontal bacteria. Use it twice daily for the indicated weeks. Rinse gently for 30 seconds and don’t swallow. It may slightly stain teeth with prolonged use — removed with professional cleaning.

Avoid aspirin — it impairs clotting and can increase gum bleeding. If you take anticoagulants or other chronic medications, let us know before the procedure.

Post-Curettage Diet

What you eat these weeks directly affects healing

The day of the procedure:

Only liquid or very soft and cold foods: smoothies, yogurt, ice cream, gelatin
Cool or cold temperature — cold helps reduce inflammation
Nothing to chew on the treated side
Drink plenty of water

First week — soft diet:

Always eat on the OPPOSITE side from the treated quadrant
Soft foods that don’t require intense chewing
Warm temperature — avoid temperature extremes that cause sensitivity
Cut everything into very small pieces
Avoid foods with small seeds that can get under the gum (sesame, chia, strawberries with seeds)

Recommended foods

Natural yogurt and soft dairy
Eggs prepared any soft way
Mashed potato, sweet potato or vegetables
Warm or cool soups and broths
Soft fish or very well cooked chicken
Very well cooked pasta
Banana and soft seedless fruits
Ice cream and smoothies
Gelatin and custard
Avocado
Well-cooked soft rice

Avoid for the first 2 weeks

Very hard or crunchy foods (nuts, chips, hard crackers)
Very hot foods (irritate healing gum)
Very spicy foods (irritate healing tissue)
Alcohol (interferes with healing and antibiotics)
Small seeds that can get under the gum
Very acidic foods (citrus, vinegar) — irritate exposed gum
Very fibrous food requiring intense chewing

Tobacco — curettage’s greatest enemy

Smoking is the most common cause of periodontal treatment failure. Nicotine reduces blood flow to healing tissues, suppresses immune response and multiplies re-infection risk. Ideally, stop smoking permanently. At minimum, don’t smoke for the first 2 weeks post curettage. If you need support to quit, we can guide you.

Oral Hygiene Post Curettage

Hygiene is the most important factor for treatment success

There is an apparent paradox: the gum hurts when brushing, but if you don’t brush, bacteria return and curettage doesn’t work. The solution is to brush with extreme gentleness — not to avoid the area.

Day 1 (day of curettage) — Very gentle brushing of the rest of the mouth: Avoid the treated area that day. You can brush the other teeth very carefully. Rinse gently with chlorhexidine (not forcefully). Don’t spit with pressure.
Day 2-7 — Resume brushing with ultra gentleness: Start gently brushing the treated area with very soft circular motions. Extra soft bristle toothbrush. There may be some bleeding — this is normal at this stage. If bleeding is heavy, reduce pressure but don’t stop brushing. Use chlorhexidine twice daily.
Week 2-4 — Normal brushing with correct technique: Resume your full routine with a soft brush. Dental floss from the second week — carefully, with gentle motions. The water flosser (Waterpik) is ideal at this stage for cleaning pockets.
Month 1 onward — Perfect hygiene for life: Curettage treated the active infection. But periodontitis returns if hygiene isn’t impeccable. Brushing 3 times daily + daily flossing + antiseptic rinse = what maintains the results.

Lifestyle During Recovery

Small changes that make a big difference

Physical activity — 48 hour pause: Avoid intense exercise the first 48 hours. Increased blood pressure can increase gum bleeding. From the third day you can resume moderate activity.
Smoking — the greatest saboteur (Important): If you smoke, curettage will have significantly worse results. Nicotine reduces gum circulation, suppresses healing and favors bacterial return. At least don’t smoke the first 2 weeks.
Alcohol — avoid minimum 5 days: Interferes with antibiotics and pain relievers, and deteriorates healing. Avoid completely while taking medications and at least 5 days after.
Stress — an underestimated periodontal factor: Chronic stress suppresses the immune system and favors systemic inflammation, which can compromise curettage results. Resting well and reducing stress supports healing.

Normal Changes After Curettage

What you’ll see in your mouth in the coming weeks

Gums look lower (receded): The inflamed gum covering part of the root reduced upon healing. Teeth may look longer. This is TREATMENT SUCCESS, not a problem.
Spaces between teeth that weren’t there before: As inflammation reduces, black triangles between teeth may become more visible. This happens because healthy gum is thinner than inflamed gum.
Teeth more sensitive to cold: Root exposed by gingival recession lacks enamel and is sensitive to cold. Improves over time. Fluoride varnish and desensitizing pastes help a lot.
Bleeding when brushing that decreases: Some bleeding is normal the first days. Bleeding should reduce week by week. If it’s still frequent after 3 weeks, let us know.
Gum changes color: Diseased gum is red, swollen and shiny. Healthy gum is pink, firm and stippled. Seeing that color change is a sign curettage is working.

Follow-up — Curettage is the Beginning, Not the End

Periodontal maintenance is lifelong

Post-curettage evaluation (4-8 weeks): We measure periodontal pockets with a probe to compare with pre-treatment measurements. We evaluate tissue response and determine if additional treatment is needed.
Periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months: After curettage, maintenance cleanings are every 3-4 months (not every 6). Periodontal bacteria recolonize pockets in 8-12 weeks — that’s why the interval is shorter.
Periodontal surgery if necessary: If after curettage very deep pockets remain that don’t respond to treatment, periodontal surgery may be needed to directly access the bone. The dentist will evaluate this at the reassessment appointment.
Periodic radiographic monitoring: Periodic X-rays allow monitoring bone levels and detecting whether bone loss stopped or continued. X-rays are the only way to see what’s happening inside the bone.

Periodontal maintenance is not optional — it’s the difference between a successful and a failed treatment. Patients who follow regular maintenance rarely experience severe active periodontitis again.

Warning Signs

When to contact us

Contact the clinic if you experience:

Heavy bleeding that won’t stop: Some mild bleeding is normal the first hours. If bleeding is heavy and doesn’t stop with gentle gauze pressure for 30-45 minutes, call us.
Very intense pain that doesn’t respond to medication: Discomfort should be controlled by the prescribed pain reliever. If pain is unbearable or doesn’t subside at all, there may be a complication.
Swelling that increases after day 3: Normal swelling peaks at day 2-3 then decreases. If it keeps growing after day 3, it may indicate infection.
Fever above 38°C (100.4°F): May indicate active infection. In patients with systemic conditions (diabetes, heart disease) it requires immediate attention.
Abscess or pus-filled bump on the gum: A periodontal abscess can develop during or after curettage. It presents as a painful pus-filled bump on the gum. Requires urgent attention.
Bleeding that returns intensely days later: If bleeding that had subsided returns intensely, it may indicate infection or that something irritated the area.

This is completely normal:

Mild bleeding the first 24-48 hours when brushing
Inflamed, red and sensitive gum the first days
Sensitivity to cold for days or weeks
Moderate pain or pressure manageable with pain relievers
Teeth appearing longer (gum that descends upon healing)
Small spaces between teeth not previously visible
Mild bad taste the first hours
Slight difficulty opening the mouth fully the first day

Keys for Curettage Success

Take pain reliever before anesthesia wears off
Gentle brushing — don’t avoid the area, brush softly
Chlorhexidine twice daily for the indicated weeks
Don’t smoke — it’s the main failure factor
Attend evaluation appointment at 4-8 weeks
Periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months for life

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the gum take to heal after curettage?

Surface gum healing takes 1-2 weeks. Full maturation of periodontal tissue can take 4-8 weeks. Pocket reduction and bone response is evaluated between 6-8 weeks post treatment.

Does curettage hurt a lot?

During the procedure, with correct anesthesia, you should not feel pain — only pressure and movement. After the anesthesia wears off there may be significant discomfort for 1-3 days. With the prescribed medications it is perfectly manageable. Intensity varies by how many teeth were treated and how advanced the disease was.

Is it normal for teeth to look longer after?

Yes, completely. The diseased and inflamed gum was covering part of the root. Upon healing and deflating, the gum looks lower and teeth appear longer. This is not gum loss — it’s healthy gum in its correct position. It’s a sign the treatment worked.

Does curettage ‘cure’ periodontitis?

Curettage controls active disease but doesn’t definitively ‘cure’ it. Periodontitis is a chronic condition with genetic predisposition. Without regular periodontal maintenance and impeccable hygiene, the disease returns. Curettage is the start of control, not the end.

How many curettage appointments do I need?

It depends on disease extent. It can be 1 appointment (mild cases) to 4 appointments (full mouth in quadrants). Your dentist will tell you the complete plan.

Why was I prescribed an antibiotic if the infection was already cleaned out?

Curettage eliminates bacteria mechanically but in cases of severe periodontitis or patients with risk factors (diabetes, smoking), the antibiotic complements treatment by eliminating bacteria the curettage couldn’t reach or those in deeper tissues.

Can I go to work the next day?

For desk or home work, generally yes. If your job requires intense physical activity, a lot of public speaking or dust/environmental exposure, we recommend an extra day of rest.

How often do I need curettage?

Curettage is not a routine procedure. It’s done when there is active periodontitis. After successful curettage, with regular periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months, most patients don’t need curettage again for years.

Will cold sensitivity stay forever?

In most cases, sensitivity significantly decreases within the first weeks. Some residual sensitivity may remain for months. Professional fluoride varnish, desensitizing toothpastes and time are the most effective treatments.

Can chlorhexidine be used indefinitely?

No. Chlorhexidine is used for specific periods (generally 2-4 weeks post curettage) because with prolonged use it can stain teeth, alter taste and affect beneficial oral microbiota. Your dentist will tell you exactly how long to use it.

Care After Dental Curettage