Pocket depth reduction by tooth types and sites after initial treatment.

Differences in pockets depth reduction rates were compared between different tooth types and sites after initial treatment in 41 adult periodontitis patients whose O'Leary plaque records were maintained at less than 10% during initial treatment. Pocket depths were significantly reduced after initial treatment. Response to treatment was good at 15, 25, 14, 24, 33, 43, 31, 41, 34 and 44; but was poor in 11, 21, 17, 27, 37 and 47. Response to treatment was poor on the mesiopalatal surfaces; midpalatal surfaces of 16 and 26; the distolingual surfaces of 17, 27, 37 and 47; and the mesiopalatal surfaces of 11 and 21; but was good on the distobuccal and midpalatal surfaces of 14 and 24, the mesio- and distal-buccal surfaces of 15 and 25; and the mesiolingual surfaces of 34 and 44. The tooth types and root surfaces that require careful attention during treatment were clarified.