ABSTRACT:
Background: Periodontal dressings have over the years undergone numerous changes in composition as well as usage and yet controversies prevail over the use of these dressings in periodontal procedures. Aim: To assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of placing periodontal dressings- (to pack or not to pack) among periodontal surgeons. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study based on a structured questionnaire comprising 20 questions was distributed among 150 periodontists who were asked to select the most appropriate answer and the resultant data was expressed in percentages. Results: Based on the given responses, the percentage of periodontists who place periodontal dressings, who do not support placement of periodontal dressings, the type of dressing they use, rationale behind the type of dressing, problems they have experienced in their practice with or without placement of periodontal dressings were analyzed. Conclusion: Most of the doctors seemed to place periodontal dressings after surgical procedures. Some stated that dressings are more advantageous whereas others did not believe so. Most commonly used dressing was COE pack and dressings were commonly use for regenerative procedures