Minimally invasive therapeutic approaches have become the standard of care for many medical procedures. In contrast, the use of minimally invasive techniques in non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy has not progressed to the same extent. This commentary explores some of the technologic forces that influence the acceptance of minimally invasive therapeutic modalities. There is adequate science to support the development and clinical use of minimally invasive periodontal treatment but the technology to perform minimally invasive procedures is not currently available. Potential explanations for what seems to be a growing technologic lag are explored.