Minimally Invasive Procedures in Periodontology: An Overview.

Minimally invasive dentistry has been defined as a concept that preserves both the hard tissues (dentition) and the supporting soft tissue structures (gingiva and periodontal tissues) and includes both non-surgical and surgical techniques and procedures. The implementation of minimally invasive procedures such as Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), Minimally Invasive Periodontal Surgery (MIPS), Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques (MIST), Modified Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques (M-MIST) have also been developed to minimise the surgical trauma experienced by the patient and to reduce the duration of the surgical procedure. These procedures included minimal incisions and flap reflection and careful handling of the hard and soft tissues as well as the use of instruments such as operating microscopes, magnifying lenses, microsurgical instruments, and materials. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the current use of minimally invasive techniques and procedures in the nonsurgical and surgical management of periodontal disease(s)