Which of the following is a common indication for periodontal surgery?

Irregular bony contours serve as a common indication for periodontal surgery because they can impede proper oral hygiene and create sites prone to plaque accumulation, leading to periodontal disease. When the bony architecture is uneven, it can manifest as periodontal defects that need surgical intervention to facilitate optimal healing and re-establishment of periodontal health.

Periodontal surgery aims to reshape and restore the natural contours of the bone and soft tissues, thereby improving both aesthetics and functional cleaning of the area. Addressing these irregularities can lead to better access for oral hygiene and may also enhance the potential for other periodontal treatments, such as regenerative procedures.

In contrast, shallow pockets typically do not require surgery, as they can often be managed with non-surgical periodontal therapies. Routine cleanings are preventive and therapeutic measures that do not involve surgery, and the absence of inflammation usually indicates a healthy periodontal status where surgery would not be warranted. Thus, the rationale behind considering irregular bony contours as a surgical indication is due to their impact on periodontal health and the need to correct them for overall treatment success.