The use of periodontal surgery to enhance the results of restorative dentistry

Abstract

Periodontal disease and dental caries share a common etiological agent namely bacteria from dental plaque.1, 2, 3 These two dental diseases frequently occur together and there is a positive correlation between the incidence of dental caries and the incidence of periodontal disease. 4, -5 Therefore it is essential that caries treatment must be coordinated with periodontal therapy. During initial therapy periodontal procedures and operative procedures are often carried out together. This conjunctive approach is also applicable to the surgical component of periodontal surgery. At the time that periodontal surgery is being carried out it is important that the exact restorative treatment plan be finalized so that the surgical techniques can be modified enhance the results of these restorative procedures. Periodontal surgery can be classified into two broad categories Firstly surgery aimed at eliminating the effects of periodontitis e.g. periodontal flap surgery, and secondly surgery aimed at correcting deficits of gingiva e.g. mucogingival surgery. Many patients who require these surgical procedures also need to have restorative dentistry and prosthetic carried out in the same area. It is important that the periodontal surgery procedures must be coordinated with restorative dentistry and prosthetic procedures