Effects of gingival curettage when performed 1 month after root instrumentation. A biometric evaluation

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate biometrically the periodontal response to gingival curettage. 15 subjects having suprabony pockets were selected. Gingival Index (GI) was initially determined for the selected teeth. Measurements of probing depth, and the distance from the free gingival margin to the cemento-enamel junction were also taken at that time, as well as immediately after scaling and root planing of the selected teeth. 4 weeks after scaling and root planing, the clinical parameters were recorded. A split mouth design was used to select 2 quadrants of the mouth in which gingival curettage was to be performed. Immediately after, experimental measurements were again recorded. 5 weeks after gingival curettage, gingival inflammation, probing depth and the location of the free gingival margin were recorded for the last time. All data were analyzed statistically. It was shown that gingival inflammation, the distance from the free gingival margin to the cemento-enamel junction, and the probing depth were reduced after 4 and 9 weeks. The level of clinical attachment improved after 9 weeks. All these changes were statistically significant. These results were observed after scaling and root planing, as well as after scaling, root planing and gingival curettage. No differences were found between both treatment modalities in any of the parameters analyzed. Gingival curettage did not improve the condition of the periodontal tissues more significantly than scaling and root planing.