Which finding implies a successful response to periodontal therapy after SRP?

Which finding implies a successful response to periodontal therapy after SRP?

• A. Notable tooth mobility
• B. Reduction in pocket depth
• C. Increased bleeding on probing
• D. Continued attachment loss

Answer: (B)

A reduction in pocket depth is a significant indicator of a successful response to periodontal therapy, especially following scaling and root planing (SRP). This decrease in depth suggests that there has been a healing response in the periodontal tissues and that the inflammation associated with periodontal disease is resolving. During the treatment, SRP aims to remove plaque and tartar from the root surfaces and reduce the inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues. As the tissues heal, you would typically see a reduction in the depth of periodontal pockets, which indicates that the periodontal attachment level is stabilizing or improving. This is a critical aspect of successful periodontal therapy since the goal is to regain or maintain healthy periodontal structures. Other options, such as notable tooth mobility or increased bleeding on probing, indicate ongoing issues rather than improvement. Continued attachment loss would suggest that the periodontal disease is still active, contradicting the purpose of the therapy. Therefore, a reduction in pocket depth stands out as a clear sign of therapeutic success.

A reduction in pocket depth is a significant indicator of a successful response to periodontal therapy, especially following scaling and root planing (SRP). This decrease in depth suggests that there has been a healing response in the periodontal tissues and that the inflammation associated with periodontal disease is resolving.

During the treatment, SRP aims to remove plaque and tartar from the root surfaces and reduce the inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues. As the tissues heal, you would typically see a reduction in the depth of periodontal pockets, which indicates that the periodontal attachment level is stabilizing or improving. This is a critical aspect of successful periodontal therapy since the goal is to regain or maintain healthy periodontal structures.

Other options, such as notable tooth mobility or increased bleeding on probing, indicate ongoing issues rather than improvement. Continued attachment loss would suggest that the periodontal disease is still active, contradicting the purpose of the therapy. Therefore, a reduction in pocket depth stands out as a clear sign of therapeutic success.