All surgical interventions were conducted by first and third year postgraduate residents. Supragingival debridement and polishing of the operated area was performed immediately before surgery. In cases of residual periodontal pocket elimination / reduction surgeries, intrasulcular incisions followed by papilla preservation incisions at interdental areas were applied. In crown lengthening cases, resective gingival incisions were applied in presence of sufficient width of keratinized tissues (≥ 3mm). Following flap elevation, root surfaces were thoroughly debrided with instruments and ultrasonic devices. Ostectomy / osteoplasty with carbide burs was applied, as deemed appropriate. Buccal and palatal / lingual flaps were fully adapted to each other and sutured together with monofilament slowly resorbable suture. Periodontal dressings were not used. No systemic antibiotics were prescribed. Ibuprofen 400mg, three times daily for 4 days, was suggested immediately after surgical intervention. Smokers were advised to cease smoking for the first postsurgical week. Sutures were removed at 7th postoperative day. During that period no accidental loss of sutures was recorded.