LIGHT CURED RESIN- AN AESTHETIC AND BIOCOMPATIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL DRESSING

A CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontal dressings, also known as periodontal packs, have been employed over centuries for the purpose of protection of surgical sites. Many modifications have been made to improve their physical and therapeutic properties. Hence this study was designed to compare and evaluate the clinical efficacy of light cured periodontal dressing to most widely used non-eugenol pack.

Materials and method: Ten patients suffering from generalized chronic periodontitis, requiring periodontal flap surgeries on contralateral sides of the arch were selected and randomly divided into two groups: Group I (Control group) and Group II (Test group). In Group I, non-eugenol periodontal dressing and in Group II light cured periodontal dressing was applied at the surgical sites. Clinical parameters that were assessed on day 7 after the removal of the pack are debris index, plaque scores and gingival index. Patients were also be assessed for acceptance and compliance of the material. All the data recorded was then statistically analysed.

Result: Group II showed better results when compared with the control group on debris index, plaque scores and gingival index, though the differences were found to be statistically insignificant. Group II also showed better results in terms of esthetics, associated mucosal problems, retention of the dressing and over all patient satisfaction.
Conclusion: Light cured periodontal dressing showed better patient acceptability and compliance and could be considered to be a clinically efficient and alternative to the non-eugenol pack as the periodontal dressing.