How long should a periodontal pack be left in place to promote healing?

A periodontal pack should typically be left in place for about a week to promote healing after periodontal procedures. This time frame allows the tissues to heal adequately while providing the necessary support to the surgical site. The pack helps protect the area from trauma and food debris, thus minimizing the risk of infection and promoting patient comfort during the healing process.

Leaving the pack in place for a shorter duration, such as 24 hours or 3 days, may not provide sufficient time for the tissues to stabilize, potentially disrupting the healing process. On the other hand, keeping the pack in place for an extended period, like 3 months, is unnecessary and could lead to complications, such as irritation or infection. Proper adherence to the recommended duration of about one week optimizes the healing environment and contributes to favorable recovery outcomes.