Abstract
Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease associated with plaque biofilms and characterized by clinical attachment loss and alveolar bone loss. Periodontitis is a major public health problem due to its high prevalence, as well as because it may lead to tooth loss, affecting function and aesthetics. Periodontal treatment with scaling and root planning associated with good plaque control by the patients has proven to be effective in stabilizing periodontal disease. However, deep pockets associated with infra-bony defects show less predictable treatment outcomes. Minimally invasive non-surgical and surgical procedures aim to address these defects more efficiently. The use of magnification, specific instruments and techniques have been shown to improve the clinical outcomes of periodontal treatment, including resolution of infra-bony defects, whilst associated with less discomfort for the patients. The aim of this lecture is to outline how minimally invasive periodontal procedures improve periodontal treatment outcomes and allow us to overcome the limitations of conventional periodontal treatment.
Learning Objectives
- Acknowledge the limitations of conventional periodontal treatment
- Understand the principles of minimally invasive non-surgical periodontal treatment
- Understand the principles of minimally invasive surgical periodontal treatment
- Acknowledge the benefits of minimally invasive procedures in the treatment of periodontitis
- Acknowledge and understand the clinical application of minimally invasive periodontal techniques
