What advantage do periodontal dressings provide after flap surgery?

• A. Minimize plaque accumulation
• B. Promote wound healing
• C. Enhance esthetics
• D. Strengthen tissue

Answer: (B)

The selection of promoting wound healing as the advantage of periodontal dressings after flap surgery is accurate because these dressings serve to protect the surgical site from external irritants and trauma, facilitating a conducive environment for healing. By covering the flap, they decrease the likelihood of food debris, bacteria, and physical disturbances, all of which can impede the healing process.

While periodontal dressings may play a role in some aspects of plaque control and tissue support, their primary function is to ensure that the wound heals properly by acting as a barrier that enhances healing responses. They provide a moist environment that has been shown to be beneficial for tissue regeneration and recovery, thereby stabilizing the flap and allowing for proper tissue adaptation.

The other options, while they may seem related, do not capture the primary role of periodontal dressings as effectively as promoting wound healing does. For instance, while they might help somewhat in minimizing plaque accumulation, that is not their main purpose. Similarly, enhancing esthetics and strengthening tissue are secondary benefits rather than the primary reason for using these dressings in flap surgery context.