Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate X · Periodontology · 04

Nonsurgical periodontal therapy

Nonsurgical therapy removes biofilm and calculus from root surfaces, coaches self-care and controls risk factors. Expect less bleeding and moderate pockets that shrink by about 1-2 mm, healing mainly by a long junctional epithelium. Reevaluate about 4-6 weeks later and refer residual bleeding pockets of 5 mm or more, furcations and progressing cases.

High-yield facts · 7

  1. Nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) = biofilm and calculus removal (scaling and root debridement), self-care coaching, risk-factor control, plus adjuncts as needed.S38
  2. Modern root debridement removes calculus and biofilm without deliberately removing cementum.T3
  3. Expected NSPT results: bleeding falls; moderate pockets (4-6 mm) drop about 1-2 mm; deep pockets (7 mm or more) drop about 2-3 mm through shrinkage and gain in clinical attachment.S38T3
  4. Healing after NSPT is mostly a long junctional epithelium, not new attachment.T3
  5. Reevaluate about 4-6 weeks after NSPT; refer residual pockets of 5 mm or more with bleeding, furcation involvement, or progressive cases.T3
  6. Periodontal maintenance is commonly every 3 months; intervals are set by risk and response.T3
  7. Full-mouth disinfection protocols complete scaling within 24 hours; outcomes are similar to quadrant scaling.S38

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.