How long does a periodontal pack typically stay in place?

• A. 24 hours
• B. 3 days
• C. 1 week
• D. 3 months

Answer: (C)

The typical duration for which a periodontal pack remains in place is about one week. This timeframe allows the pack to provide adequate protection and support to the surgical site following periodontal procedures. A week is generally a sufficient duration for wound healing to commence, while also allowing for patient comfort and reduction of inflammation.

When a periodontal pack is placed after procedures such as scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery, it serves to protect the area, minimize discomfort, and promote healing. It is important for clinicians to monitor the pack and remove it as necessary, but the one-week period is the standard recommendation in practice.

In contrast, other suggested timeframes are either significantly shorter or longer than what is typically advised. A period of 24 hours might not allow enough time for healing, while 3 months would be excessively long, as most packs are intended for temporary use. A duration of 3 days is somewhat closer but still falls short of the one-week standard recommended for a thorough healing process.