Average time required for scaling and surgery in periodontal therapy

Abstract

The time used in performing scaling and elimination of overhangs (Sc) and periodontal surgery (Su) was analysed. Twenty-two quadrants with subgingival calculus and/or restorations with overhanging margins and with pocket depth of 5 mm or less were selected for Sc therapy. Fifty-two quadrants were selected for Su therapy (gingivectomy and/or flap operation). Prescaling had been performed in 38 of them. Six dentists took part in the Sc and 12 in the Su procedures. The mean Sc time per quadrant was 24 minutes (s.d. 7.87) and the mean Su time per quadrant was 52 minutes (s.d. 14.79). Gingivectomy tended to require less time than flap. Prescaling did not seem to reduce the Su time significantly. The averages obtained in this study and in other studies were compared and discussed to evaluate the guidelines suggested in the Periodontal Treatment Need System (PTNS). The PTNS time calculations allowed slight overestimations, mainly for Su time.