Decision-Making for Residual Periodontal Pockets after Aetiological Treatment

The practitioner may have difficulties making decisions regarding the most appropriate therapeutic approach in the case of the persistence of periodontal pockets after initial periodontal treatment. Several options may be considered: aetiologic retreatment, maintenance, surgery of the pocket or extraction of the tooth for strategic reasons or when the conservation of the tooth is impossible. There are no clear guidelines for the treatment decision. The aim of this article is to present the main factors involved in making a treatment decision. An algorithm and its background rationale are presented to help the practitioner make a decision about residual periodontal pockets after aetiological treatment.