Infra-bony pockets are treated by:
**Core Concept**
The treatment of infra-bony pockets involves addressing the loss of bone support around the teeth, which can lead to further periodontal damage. This requires a surgical approach to regenerate lost bone and prevent further attachment loss.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Infra-bony pockets are characterized by a loss of bone support below the level of the alveolar crest. Treatment involves using a technique known as **open flap debridement**, which involves surgically opening the gum to remove infected tissue, smooth the root surface, and use bone grafting materials to stimulate bone growth. This procedure helps to regenerate lost bone and prevent further attachment loss.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not address the loss of bone support characteristic of infra-bony pockets. Scaling and root planing are effective for suprabony pockets but are not sufficient for infra-bony pockets.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it does not involve a surgical approach to address the loss of bone support. Laser therapy may be useful for treating certain periodontal conditions, but it is not the primary treatment for infra-bony pockets.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is a conservative approach that does not address the loss of bone support. Periodontal splinting may be useful for stabilizing teeth, but it does not regenerate lost bone.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When treating infra-bony pockets, it's essential to use a combination of surgical techniques, including open flap debridement, bone grafting, and smooth root surface debridement to regenerate lost bone and prevent further attachment loss.
**Correct Answer:** C.