Which factor influences the selection of treatment techniques for periodontal defects?

The depth and configuration of the osseous defect is a critical factor in determining the appropriate treatment techniques for periodontal defects. This aspect directly impacts the prognosis and the goals of periodontal therapy.

When assessing periodontal defects, practitioners evaluate factors such as whether the defect is a buccal, lingual, or interproximal defect, and how deep it is. These measurements guide the selection of surgical or non-surgical interventions. For example, deeper defects may require regenerative techniques or surgical intervention to restore lost periodontal support, while shallower lesions might be treated effectively through non-surgical methods such as scaling and root planing or guided tissue regeneration.

In addition, the configuration of the defect—whether it is a one-wall, two-wall, or three-wall defect—provides insights into the likelihood of successful regeneration and the type of grafting materials or techniques that may be most effective. This specificity in treatment planning demonstrates the importance of understanding the anatomical features of the defect to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.