Minimally invasive periodontics – A future landscape

Abstract

Periodontal diseases are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by inflammation and the subsequent destruction of the tooth supporting tissue. Conventional periodontal regenerative procedures involving periodontal flaps for access are employed to improve short- and long-term clinical outcomes of periodontally compromised teeth. Minimally invasive therapeutic approaches with minimized incisions and trauma to the soft tissue have proven to be advantageous over the conventional therapy. This review focuses on four such techniques – PerioProtect, Tri-Immuno Phasic Periodontal Therapy, Subperiosteal Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Ridge Augmentation Technique (SMART) and Flapless technique for Bone Graft. PerioProtect is a non-invasive chemical debriding therapy that involves a customized tray for patients to help manage biofilms, growing in the spaces or pockets between teeth and gum tissue. Tri-immuno phasic therapy is minimally invasive technique, by William Hoisington, which allows clinician to go under the gum line and destroy anaerobic bacteria non-surgically. SMART was suggested by Kent et al. in which a small vertical incision is made in the alveolar ridge and bone graft injected under the periodontium. Flapless technique for bone graft is a non-invasive technique which involves scaling and root planing, and insertion of single grains of bone mineral through the crevicular space into the pocket until it is completely filled. These minimally invasive procedures offer an efficient, safe less traumatic alternative in the treatment of periodontitis. Keywords: PerioProtect, Tri-Immuno, Occlusal forces.