The rationale for resective surgery assumes that discrepancies in which areas may lead to a recurrence of periodontal disease?

Resective surgery in periodontal treatment is fundamentally aimed at correcting anatomical discrepancies that can predispose patients to recurrent periodontal disease. The areas considered include levels and shapes of bone and gingiva, as they play a crucial role in the support of periodontal tissues. When there are irregularities in the contour of the bone or gingiva, such as undercuts or excess tissue, these can create pockets that harbor bacterial plaque. If pockets remain after initial therapy, they can lead to inflammation and the recurrence of periodontal disease.

In contrast, other areas mentioned, such as pocket depth and furcation involvement, are indeed critical factors in periodontal disease but are more related to the extent of the existing disease rather than the anatomical features that need correction through surgery. Mobility of teeth and bone density may influence periodontal health but do not directly pertain to the precise resection needed to prevent recurrence. Similarly, aging and systemic health are important factors in understanding the overall risk for periodontal disease, but they do not directly relate to the anatomical discrepancies that resective surgery aims to address. Thus, addressing the levels and shapes of bone and gingiva is essential for ensuring a stable periodontal environment and preventing disease recurrence.