Dr. Nordland contributed to the periodontal surgery chapter of the "Dental Microscope: Why and How" book providing clinical photographs of surgical cases and microinstruments that he developed.

Doctors Nordland and Tarnow developed the current classification system for loss of the interdental papilla. Their classification system is the most widely used in the world and forms and basis for comparison of different treatment modalities for papilla augmentation.

Double-Blind research showed the world that molar teeth respond differently than all the other teeth in the mouth. This international journal is one of the most well respected in all of periodontics.

Dr. Nordland was interviewed regarding periodontal disease and treatment by the San Diego Union Tribune.

Regeneration can be accomplished even if root surfaces have been chronically exposed to bacterial endotoxins and calculus. This new attachment recreates the gingival unit with the formation of new cementum and the insertion of connective tissue fibers. Once regeneration is accomplished in the areas of previous recession, minimal sulcus depth can be expected. When total regeneration of the gingival unit can be attained back to the Cemento-Enamel Junction, the root dentinal sensitivity will be eliminated as will be the likelihood of root caries. Additionally, once a more natural gingival architecture can be created then the restorative efforts are made easier to allow a more ideal result to be achieved. Many papers have explained the predictability for root coverage.

Periodontal plastic microsurgery incorporates the use of a surgical dissecting microscope in an attempt to increase visibility, minimize trauma, and enhance surgical results. This paper will attempt to demonstrate how periodontal plastic surgery utilizing periodontal microsurgery could contribute in the role of soft tissue modification to enhance the smile and ideally allow for improved oral facial esthetics.

Beyond every general practitioner who excels in cosmetic and esthetic restorative dentistry, there usually stands a gifted periodontist who shares a similar passion for achieving symmetry and artistry. La Jolla, Calif.-based periodontist Dr. Peter Nordland is among a growing number of doctors within his specialty who have sharpened their focus on achieving optimum esthetics. Here clinical editor Dr. David Hornbrook, who has a close-working referral relationship with Dr. Nordland, explores specific ways GPs and periodontists can deliver better results for patients who are committed to appearance-enhancing treatment.

In this paper, Drs. Nordland and Sandhu discuss the factors affecting surgical reconstruction of the lost interdental papillae. (Dr. Sandhu is the professor of periodontics and director at the School of Medicine and Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario.)

The loss of interdental papillae as the result of trauma or inflammatory periodontal disease creates a significant challenge in the esthetic zone. Conventional surgical techniques are unpredictable because of small working spaces and limited blood supply to the area. Vertical releasing incisions can further jeopardize vascular channels and leave unattractive scarring upon healing. The application of microscopes and microsurgical instruments presents a new frontier for predictable esthetic results. This paper describes a predictable microsurgical technique for reconstruction of the interdental papillae. (Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2008;28:543549.)