What does curettage refer to in dental procedures?

Curettage in dental procedures specifically refers to the process of removing tissue from the innermost part of the periodontal pocket. This is typically done to eliminate diseased tissue and promote healing in cases of periodontal disease. The procedure often involves the use of a curette, a specialized dental instrument designed for this purpose. By cutting away the affected tissue, the dental professional can help to reduce inflammation, facilitate the reattachment of healthy tissue to the tooth roots, and improve overall periodontal health.

The other options relate to different procedures or instruments used in dental hygiene and treatment. While removal of superficial calculus, ultrasonic scaling, and basic scaling techniques are all important aspects of periodontal therapy, they focus on cleaning the teeth and reducing plaque and calculus buildup rather than specifically addressing tissue within the periodontal pocket.