Surgical treatment of periodontal diseases: access flaps, bone resection techniques, root preparation, and flap closure.

Surgical periodontal therapy has been used for decades in an attempt to halt the progression of chronic, adult periodontitis. Numerous surgical techniques have been proposed, each generally aimed at mechanical debridement of the periodontal lesion and associated root surface, facilitation of healing, and creating an environment capable of being stabilized by a normal periodontal maintenance routine. Certain surgical approaches provide better access for debridement or assure flap repositioning at a level which results in an optimal anatomic relationship between soft tissue and teeth following healing.