A longitudinal study of peridontal status comparing osseous recontouring with flap curettage. I. Results after 6 months.

The purpose this study was to test for short-term clinical differences in periodontal status after treatment with osseous recontouring and flap curettage in humans. Twelve systemically healthy patients with bilaterally similar marginal periodontal destruction received a standardized regime of presurgical therapy. The posterior segments of these patients were then treated with osseous recontouring and flap curettage. The investigators assigned the segments in one jaw at random to osseous recontouring and flap curettage, and then reversed the sides receiving surgical treatment in the opposing jaw. Postsurgical photographs and measurements for supragingival plaque, tooth mobility, gingival inflammation and periodontal attachment levels relative to the cemento-enamel junction were made for 6 months. Statistical analysis revealed that: (1) osseous recontouring and open flap curettage equally reduced plaque and gingival inflammation; (2) each surgical procedure equally increased attached gingiva; (3) pocket reduction achieved with osseous recontouring was maintained over 6 months, pockets recurring after open curettage; (4) open curettage did not induce bone regeneration; (5) osseous recontouring did not result in irreversible tooth mobility; (6) osseous recontouring resulted in a net loss of attachment; open curettage producing a net gain, especially in deeper pockets; and (7) both procedures improved periodontal health.