What is the primary purpose of periodontal dressing?

The primary purpose of periodontal dressing is to protect the surgical area. After periodontal surgical procedures, the treated sites are often delicate and prominent, making them susceptible to irritation, trauma, and infection. The dressing helps to shield these areas from mechanical forces such as chewing and brushing, as well as external contaminants, thereby promoting a safer healing environment. By providing this protection, the dressing supports the healing process and helps maintain the integrity of the periodontal tissues during recovery.

While choices related to aesthetic enhancement, facilitating healing in non-surgical cases, and reducing oral bacteria may have some relevance within broader dental care contexts, they do not accurately reflect the specific and crucial protective function that periodontal dressing serves post-surgery.