Curettage
Pronunciation: kyoo-reh-TAHZH
The mechanical debridement of the soft tissue lining of a periodontal pocket or surgical site using a curette instrument.
Full Definition
In periodontics, curettage refers to the removal of diseased soft tissue from the inner lining of a periodontal pocket, the granulation tissue from extraction sockets, or the cyst lining from a surgical cavity, using a sharp hand instrument called a curette. It may be performed subgingivally as part of root surface debridement or as a definitive surgical procedure. Editors must note the distinction between 'scaling and root planing' (removal of hard deposits from the root surface) and 'curettage' (removal of soft inflamed tissue from the pocket wall). 'Gingival curettage' and 'periodontal curettage' should be specified in clinical copy to avoid ambiguity.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish carefully from 'root planing,' which targets the root surface, and from 'debridement,' which is a broader term. Specify tissue type (gingival, periapical) where possible.
In Context
- "Curettage of the inflamed pocket epithelium was performed concurrently with root surface debridement." — Periodontal treatment record
- "The author conflates 'curettage' with 'root planing'; these are distinct procedures acting on different tissues and must be described separately." — Editorial annotation