Root surface smoothness or roughness in periodontal treatment. A clinical study.

Twelve patients with localized advanced periodontitis were selected for this study. The 18 teeth used were divided into experimental and control groups. In both groups the loss of attachment and pocket depth were measured and modified Widman flap surgery was performed. In the experimental group, after root planing, a number of shallow horizontal grooves were made on the root surface to roughen them. Four months after surgery the same measurements were made. The results indicated that in both groups the pocket reduction and the gain of attachment were statistically significant. The differences between the two groups, as far as pocket reduction and gain of attachment are concerned, were not significant.