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Minimally invasive periodontal surgery techniques have been taught since the mid-1990s. Smaller incisions positioned in exact areas of concern reduce pain, healing time, tissue contour, and sensitivity. They also enable patients to return to normal activities within a shorter amount of time. Multiple sites can be completed at one sitting with less postoperative pain. Generally, patients can maintain comfort with over-the-counter medications, thereby avoiding narcotics.
Food choices do not have to be limited after the first 1 to 2 days. Patients are able to return to a normal diet within 1 to 2 weeks. In addition, postoperative sensitivity to cold is rare with this technique. Gingival contours remain more aesthetic as root exposure is rare, reducing patient concerns and avoiding additional surgery. Recession changes such as 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm have been reported in 160 sites treated. Since hygienists see patients routinely and may detect single sites with probing depths of 5 mm or more, the minimally invasive approach may eliminate patient concerns about teeth that adjoin areas of periodontal concern. Past therapies have included healthy periodontal areas as part of the surgical area. Minimally invasive surgical techniques treat only the areas that have not responded to nonsurgical hygiene therapy.
With an awareness that aesthetic and other patient concerns such as postoperative pain and continuing sensitivity are no longer viable, the hygienist may help more patients elect periodontal treatment and maintain a healthy dentition. (Source: Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, April 2008)
