Which procedure is typically done to obtain better access to underlying bone during periodontal treatments?

Flap surgery is a procedure commonly performed in periodontal treatments to gain enhanced access to the underlying bone and root structures. During this procedure, a section of gum tissue is elevated away from the teeth and bone, allowing the dentist or periodontist to thoroughly clean the area, remove any infected tissue, and perform necessary surgical interventions directly on the bone or tooth roots. This access is crucial for effective treatment of advanced periodontal disease, as it enables the clinician to visualize and address conditions that may not be reachable through non-surgical methods.

In contrast, the other procedures listed serve different purposes. Bone grafting involves placing new bone material to encourage regeneration of bone, rather than primarily providing access. Scaling and root planing focus on cleaning the surfaces of teeth and rooting out tartar and microbial debris, which does not involve accessing the bone directly. Socket preservation is a technique used after tooth extraction to maintain the bone structure and shape, but it does not facilitate direct access to the bone for periodontal treatment. Therefore, flap surgery stands out as the procedure specifically aimed at improving access to the underlying structures for effective periodontal intervention.