Long-term assessment of periodontal surgery versus curettage or scaling and root planing

The various treatments for periodontal disease must be assessed in light of the recently articulated goals of periodontal therapy to preserve teeth for a lifetime and to enhance esthetics and comfort as well as oral health. This article examines the long-term comparisons of periodontal surgery, curettage, and scaling and root planing in improving attachment levels instead of the more traditional pocket depth.