Periodontal Microsurgery- An Overview

The use of surgical prism loupes or surgical microscopes has introduced the reality of considerably less invasive surgical incisions and flap reflection in periodontics. The surgical operating microscope, like all magnification, enhances visual acuity. This leads to increased precision in the delivery of surgical skills, which results in more accurate incisions via smaller instrumentation, less trauma, and quicker postoperative healing. Precise repositioning of tissues with smaller needles and sutures improved the view of root surfaces, which permits more definitive removal of calculus and improved smoothness of the root. Controlling homeostasis before wound closure prevents the formation of postoperative hematomas. By adequately closing a wound site with passive closure, dead space in the wound is eliminated. Many of the procedures mentioned above use 5-0 to 7-0 sutures. This is necessary because the chord length of the suture needle must be long enough to be passed inferior to the contact points of the teeth.