What is the primary use of gauze during Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) without an assistant?

The primary use of gauze during Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) without an assistant is to control blood. During the procedure, the manipulation of periodontal tissues can lead to bleeding, and gauze is utilized to absorb excess blood, which helps maintain a clearer working field. This is especially important in procedures where visibility is critical, as excessive bleeding can obscure the view of the area being treated and hinder the operator's ability to effectively remove calculus and debris from the root surfaces.

While other uses of gauze may enhance the overall procedure—such as providing some controlled environment for localized anesthesia or potentially aiding in visibility—its most direct and vital function during SRP is to manage hemorrhage. This allows the practitioner to focus on the treatment without the constant distraction and difficulty that uncontrolled bleeding would cause.

Shaping periodontal pockets and enhancing visibility are tasks that may also benefit from the use of gauze in certain contexts, but they are secondary to the crucial role of controlling blood flow during the procedure.