Formation of Interdental Soft Tissue Defects After Surgical Treatment of Periodontitis

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This study monitored the development and repair of interdental soft tissue defects following surgical treatment of periodontitis in 21 patients. Open flap curettage was performed at 100 interdental areas with follow‐up examinations 1, 3, and 6 months later. Interdental gingival contours were assessed both clinically and indirectly with silicone elastomer impressions from which stone models were obtained; defect depths were then calculated using the Reflex Microscope. Two types of defect were identified at the 1month follow‐up: 13 interdental clefts (mean depth, 1.8 mm); and 30 craters, (mean depth, 1.6 mm). Although clefts tended to persist, craters showed a strong tendency to repair. Thus, at the 6‐month follow‐up, the mean depths of clefts and craters were 1.3 mm and 0.7 mm respectively. The development of soft tissue defects did not appear to be related to the use of a periodontal dressing nor did the existence of an underlying bone defect appear to be of etiological importance. Pre‐operative probing depths, however, were positively associated with the occurrence of soft tissue craters (P = 0.02). Pre‐operatively, the overall mean probing depth and frequency of bleeding on probing were 5.3 mm and 100% respectively. At 6 months, these values were reduced to 2.0 mm and 22%. When clefts, craters, and interdental areas with no soft tissue defect were compared, no significant differences in probing depth reduction or frequency of bleeding were observed at any time point. It is concluded that the development of clefts or craters during the early stages of healing had no adverse effect on the eventual establishment of periodontal health. J Periodontol 1990;61:564–570.

This publication has 12 references indexed in Scilit: