[Long term effects of surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatment. 1. Attachment level changes]

The long term effectiveness of modified Widman flap and subgingival curettage techniques were evaluated in 21 patients who have chronic periodontitis. Individual acrylic reference plates and a color coded WHO probe were used for attachment level measurements. Attachment level changes which were determined in 3 rd, 6th, and 9th months calculated as percentage gain or loss of initial attachment level and compared statistically. Initially shallow pockets showed loss of attachment in both techniques. There was significant attachment gain in initially moderate and deep pockets. Accordingly, attachment gain occurred at facial, interproximal and oral surfaces with both techniques. It can be concluded that if the effective plaque control would be maintained post operatively, subgingival curettage is the first choice of method in the treatment of periodontal pockets.