How long are periodontal dressings typically kept in place post-surgery?

Periodontal dressings are typically kept in place for about one week after surgery. This duration allows for adequate healing of the surgical site while providing protection and support to the tissues. The dressing serves to help stabilize the clot, minimize discomfort, and protect the surgical area from contaminants, helping to ensure a suitable environment for healing.

Using dressings for about a week also aligns with the healing process, as it allows the tissues to begin closing and reduces the risk of irritation or disturbance to the surgical area. It is generally advised to monitor the patient's healing and remove the dressing after this period, typically during a follow-up appointment.

While a shorter duration, such as 24 hours, may not provide sufficient time for initial healing, and a longer duration of 10 days or 2 weeks may hinder the natural healing and could potentially lead to complications, one week strikes an appropriate balance.