What is the primary purpose of a periodontal dressing?

The primary purpose of a periodontal dressing is to preserve blood clots. After periodontal surgery, maintaining the integrity of blood clots is crucial for proper healing. Blood clots provide a natural barrier that protects the surgical site, facilitates tissue regeneration, and helps to promote healing by creating an environment that reduces the risk of infection.

In addition to preserving blood clots, the dressing also serves other functions, such as providing mechanical support to the surgical area and potentially minimizing discomfort, but these secondary effects do not overshadow the critical role of clot preservation in the healing process. Properly preserving these clots allows for optimal tissue repair and regeneration, making it a fundamental purpose of using a periodontal dressing following procedures such as gum grafting or flap surgery.