Periodontal Packs | Periodontal Dressing in Dentistry | Periodontology

Periodontal Packs | Periodontal Dressing in Dentistry | Periodontology.

What is Periodontal Pack or Dressings?

Periodontal Pack or Dressings is placed after the surgical treatment on the periodontium. It helps to protect the tissues for healing. It won't have any of the curing properties But it assists the tissues in healing. Wondr-Pak, Coe-Pak, Peripac, Vocopac are some of the products available in the markets.

Types of Periodontal Packs

They are classified into two types based on the presence or absence of eugenol contents. They are,

• Zinc Oxide Eugenol Packs

• Non-Eugenol Packs

• Neither Zinc Oxide Eugenol nor Eugenol

Zinc Oxide Eugenol Packs:-

It is based on the chemical reaction between zinc oxide and eugenol. Apart from Zinc Oxide, it also contains zinc acetate, tannic acid which has certain properties for enhancing the chemical reactions. But, it is contraindicated in patients who have allergic reactions to eugenol. Ward's Wondr-Pak is the most commonly used Zinc Oxide Eugenol Pack. It is Served as Powder and Liquid Form. Both are mixed before use.

Non-Eugenol Packs:-

It is based on the reaction between metallic oxide and fatty acid. An example is coe-pak. It consists of two tubes, one tube contains Zinc oxide and another tube contains fatty acid. Both are mixed before use. They have fracture strength compared to the Eugenol Packs.

Advantages of Periodontal Packs

It helps in the prevention of post-operative infections. It helps to isolate the wound during the mastication which helps to avoid trauma to the tissues. It provides a suitable environment for healing of the periodontal tissues.

Instructions to the patients after placing the periodontal packs,

Patients are instructed to avoid hot foods and drinks, as it prevents hardening of the packs. Ice is applied in the operated area to avoid swelling and inflammation. Patients are not advised to exert the packs and they must only be removed in the next appointment by the dentist.

Removing the Periodontal Packs

It is removed by the dentist after a week. It is done by surgical hoe, which is placed along the margin of the packs and lateral pressure is applied. Packs on the inter-proximal region are removed by the scalers. Remnants of the periodontal packs are removed by rinsing with the peroxide.