[Surgical procedures to improve cleansing of the root surface and reduce pocket depth]

In recent years numerous reports have appeared in the dental literature comparing different methods of treating periodontitis. These researches have not indicated that surgical procedures have particular advantages over thorough hygiene therapy. This review considers several relevant hypotheses and the results of clinical research into this topic. Particular note has been taken of the research of Ramfjord et al. (1987) whose conclusions are typical of many others. This review discusses such conclusions from several standpoints and shows that there is a need for further research. It is derived from a review by the same authors in the journal of the Swedish Dental Association, Tandläkartidingen.