The therapeutic endpoint for nonsurgical periodontal therapy includes all of the following except:

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The infectious organisms cannot be completely eliminated for an extended period of time; however, infectious organisms can be eliminated for a short period of time or can be controlled to achieve the therapeutic endpoint. Some periodontal pathogens are harbored in the adjacent tissues. Reduction in pocket depth is an expected therapeutic outcome. Healing of 1 to 2 mm is expected with chronic periodontitis. Sometimes further pocket reduction is evident in deeper pockets. Restoration of gingival health is an expected outcome. Signs of inflammation including erythema and edema as well as bleeding on probing should be reasonably resolved. An improved or stable clinical attachment level is also an expected outcome. This is the ultimate goal of NSPT, because loss of clinical attachment level is the gold standard for a diagnosis of periodontitis and its progression. Reduction of bleeding on probing is an essential component of healing post NSPT. No bleeding upon probing is ideal; however, practically the goal should focus on achieving bleeding on probing in less than 20% of pockets.

The Therapeutic Endpoint for Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy Includes All of the Following