Root planing and curettage are at least as satisfactory as other surgical techniques for the gain and maintenance of attachment in most periodontal pockets. Reduction of pocket depth and root exposure are less following subgingival curettage than after other modalities of surgery. It is not known if soft tissue curettage adds anything to the results of scaling and root planing. Curettage is demanding with regards to technical skill and time, and may be impractical in many instances compared to flap surgery.