Single-flap versus double-flap approach for periodontal pocket reduction in supraosseous defects: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: The single-flap approach (SFA) is a minimally invasive technique with limited mucoperiosteal flap elevation to gain access to the buccal/palatal aspects, thus limiting post-surgical complications. The purpose of the present study was to gain insights into the impact of the SFA over the double-flap approach (DFA) on periodontal flap treatment outcomes and patient compliance in terms of discomfort and time taken for surgical procedures. METHODS: Twenty patients with persistent probing pocket depths of ≥5 mm were scheduled for the SFA (test site) and for the DFA (control site). All the clinical periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Radiographic bone level (cone-beam computed tomography) was evaluated at baseline and 6 months. Patients' postoperative pain perception and wound healing were also assessed. RESULTS: The SFA showed a significant reduction in periodontal pocket depth, gain in clinical attachment level (CAL), and gain in bone level when compared with the DFA. The SFA substantially improved wound healing and induced less postoperative pain than the DFA. CONCLUSIONS: The SFA resulted in substantial improvement in the composite outcome measures, as shown by a reduction in pocket depth with minimal gingival recession, gain in CAL, early wound healing, less postoperative discomfort, and better patient-centered outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registry-India Identifier: CTRI/2018/05/013562.

Role of Communication, Professionalism, and Clinical Care Skills of Postgraduate Students on Patients Recall Visits in Dental School-An Observational Study.

Preservation of periodontal health after periodontal therapy is paramount for the complete elimination of periodontal diseases. In most of the Dental Schools, recall appointments are considerably low, and in particular, to the Department of Periodontics, the compliance to recall visits by the patients diagnosed with periodontal disease is still inadequate. Faculty from the Department of Periodontics framed new criteria to follow in the comprehensive clinics by the postgraduate students. The criteria include communication, intraoral examination skills, and professionalism toward dental patients. Faculty in each comprehensive dental clinic observed the clinical encounters of postgraduate students with patients and provided the feedback. The study conducted from May 2018 to April 2019, and the patients attended were 1164 of 1544. Unattended patients were 380 of 1544. Effective evaluation of the feedback provided by faculty and communication with both the postgraduate students and unattended patients resulted in further improvement in recall, that is, 151 of 380 patients. Reframed criteria, direct observation of the postgraduate students by faculty during patients interaction, assessment of feedback forms, and immediately modifying the student's way of communication allowed maximum recall visits to the Department of Periodontics.