DANB General Chairside Practice Test

The procedure performed to remove necrotic tissue from a periodontal pocket is referred to as?

1. Gingival curettage

2. Root planing

3. Periodontal surgery

4. Soft tissue grafting

The correct answer is: Gingival curettage

The procedure intended to remove necrotic tissue from a periodontal pocket is known as gingival curettage. This technique involves the careful scraping of the inner lining of the periodontal pocket to eliminate diseased or necrotic tissue and to promote healing of the surrounding healthy tissue. It is often performed as a part of periodontal therapy to help reduce inflammation and facilitate better reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth. In contrast, root planing focuses on smoothing the surfaces of the teeth’s roots that have become rough or infected due to periodontal disease. While it is important for treating gum disease, it does not specifically target the removal of necrotic tissue itself as gingival curettage does. Periodontal surgery generally encompasses a range of surgical interventions used to treat severe gum disease, while soft tissue grafting involves transplanting tissue to areas where gum tissue has receded, aiming to restore gum health and appearance. Neither of these procedures specifically aims at the removal of necrotic tissue from the periodontal pocket in the same direct manner as gingival curettage.