What is the treatment goal for periodontal disease?

The treatment goal for periodontal disease is centered around the reduction of inflammation and pocket depth. This approach is critical because periodontal disease involves the inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth due to the presence of bacteria and plaque. When inflammation is managed effectively, it can lead to the healing of gum tissues and a decrease in the depth of periodontal pockets, which are spaces that form between the teeth and gums as the disease progresses.

Managing inflammation is essential not only for maintaining the health of the gums but also for preventing the further loss of bone and supporting tissue. Reducing pocket depths allows for better maintenance of oral hygiene by making it easier for patients to clean their teeth effectively, thereby reducing the likelihood of disease recurrence.

While the complete elimination of plaque is a desirable outcome, it is often not realistic to expect total elimination, as plaque is a natural occurrence in the mouth. Complete tooth regeneration is not a feasible outcome with current periodontal treatments, and the replacement of teeth typically comes into play only after significant tooth loss has already occurred. Therefore, the effective management of inflammation and pocket depth is the most realistic and essential goal of treatment for periodontal disease.