What is a primary goal of periodontal surgery?

The primary goal of periodontal surgery is to promote regenerative healing of periodontal tissues. This procedure aims to address the effects of periodontal disease, which can lead to the loss of supportive structures around the teeth, including the gums and bone. With surgical intervention, the intention is to restore these tissues to a healthier state, enhance healing, and ultimately improve the long-term retention of teeth.

By promoting regenerative healing, periodontal surgery can facilitate the reattachment of the gums to the teeth, regeneration of lost tissues, and in some cases, increase the amount of bone surrounding a tooth. Techniques such as guided tissue regeneration or bone grafting are often employed to aid this process.

While some goals of periodontal management may include reducing inflammation, the primary focus of surgery is on regeneration rather than solely decreasing inflammation or removing teeth. Creating more periodontal pockets or removing all teeth runs counter to the objective, which is to preserve and reconstruct oral health. Thus, promoting regenerative healing is central to the efficacy and purpose of periodontal surgical procedures.