Non-surgical retreatment versus papillary preservation flap surgery for residual pockets: A randomized controlled trial with clinical and patient-reported outcomes

Abstract

Aim: To compare the efficacy of non-surgical re-instrumentation (NSR) and papillary preservation flap (PPF) surgery at single-rooted teeth with residual pockets. Materials and Methods: Patients with at least a residual pocket depth (PD ≥ 5 mm) after Steps I and II were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive NSR or PPF surgery. The primary outcome was PD reduction, and secondary outcomes were clinical attachment level (CAL) change and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Outcome variables were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months. The examiner was blinded. Statistical analysis, one site for each patient, included descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance. Results: Forty-six participants were enrolled, and one patient dropped out in the PPF group. After 6 months, both treatments resulted in significant PD reduction (1.3 ± 1.2 mm, p =.009 NSR; 2.0 ± 0.7 mm, p