Periodontal Surgery: Introduction

In some instances extraction of the tooth will be the best treatment - particularly if attachment loss and mobility is advanced. In more moderate disease, there is a variety of treatment regimes available to the clinician. The importance of diligent and ongoing oral hygiene cannot be too highly stressed. Advanced periodontal treatment should not be performed if oral hygiene will be absent or cursory.

Principles

Destroy the minimum of normal tissue and conserve gingiva, if at all possible.

The location of incisions and sutures are critical to successful flap management. Incisions should be made at the line angle of adjacent teeth. Whether the incision crosses the mucogingival junction will depend on the pocket depth present and the aim of the procedure. If it is not necessary to cross this line do not do so.