Comparison of healing following periodontal surgery with and without dressings in humans.

Seven patients with chronic moderate to severe generalized periodontitis requiring periodontal flap surgery were selected for study. Internally beveled full thickness, apically positioned flaps with osseous recontouring were performed in 20 quadrants. Half the quadrants received a noneugenol dressing, and the other half were left undressed. Fluid Index, Gingival Index, inflammatory index, pocket depth and patient comfort were studied up to 16 weeks postoperatively. Results showed no difference in these parameters between quadrants where periodontal dressings were or were not used following surgery. The patients reported more pain and discomfort and the pain and discomfort was more severe postoperatively when the dressing was used. The results of this study suggest that a surgical dressing serves no useful purpose when periodontal flap surgery is performed.