What is an expected result after cleaning in a case of chronic generalized periodontitis?

In cases of chronic generalized periodontitis, one of the primary goals of dental cleaning, often referred to as scaling and root planing, is to reduce inflammation. This condition is characterized by the presence of periodontal pockets, attachment loss, and inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue. By removing plaque, tartar, and calculus from the surfaces of the teeth and the root areas underneath the gums, dental professionals can help decrease this inflammation.

This reduction in inflammation is significant because it leads to improved tissue health and can allow the gums to reattach to the teeth, helping to stabilize the periodontal condition. While cleaning cannot eliminate all bacteria, it can certainly reduce the bacterial load significantly, which also contributes to decreased inflammation. The other options, such as increased probing depth or improved bone density, are not expected outcomes directly resulting from cleaning in the context of managing chronic generalized periodontitis.