Comparison of results following modified Widman flap surgery with and without surgical dressing.

The clinical effects of a periodontal dressing after modified Widman flap surgery were studied. A total of thirty surgical sites in 13 patients were included in the study. Half of the sites were not covered by a periodontal dressing while the other half were. To effect a blind evaluation, the dressings were placed and removed by someone other than the examiner. Gingival crevicular fluid flow and gingival inflammation were measured prior to surgery, 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months after surgery. Clinical attachment level and pocket depth were measured prior to surgery, 1 month and 2 months after surgery. All patients were instructed in oral hygiene procedures and received rubber cup prophylaxes and flossing at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months postoperatively. At the conclusion of the study, a questionnaire was administered to each patient. No significant differences were found between dressed and undressed segments regarding changes in clinical attachment levels, pocket depth, or gingival inflammation. The omission of a dressing did not result in a greater incidence of discomfort. More patients stated preference for no dressing.