The Clinical Effectiveness of Subgingival Scaling and Root Planing on Multi-Rooted Teeth: In Vivo, Direct versus Indirect Root Surface Treatment.

A basic goal of periodontal therapy is the re-establishment of a healthy peridontium through the removal of supragingival and subgingival bacterial plaque, primary etiologic factors associated with peridontal diseases. Scaling and root planing are the two most common techniques used to remove bacterial plaque and calculus from diseased root surfaces. The purpose of this clinical investigation was to determine if visual access to the root surfaces of molar teeth would significantly enhance the ability to remove subgingival deposits of plaque and calculus on external root surfaces and in furcal areas. The results of this study showed an overall increased thoroughness of subgingival plaque and calculus removal for external root surfaces with an open flap approach versus a closed approach..