Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is the expected outcome after periodontal cleaning in a patient with chronic generalized periodontitis?

1. Increased inflammation and deeper pockets

2. Reduced inflammation only

3. Reduced inflammation with a decrease in probing depth and attachment loss

4. Reduced inflammation and pockets by 1-2 mm

The correct answer is: Reduced inflammation and pockets by 1-2 mm

After periodontal cleaning in a patient with chronic generalized periodontitis, one of the primary expected outcomes is a reduction in inflammation and the probing depth of periodontal pockets. Periodontal scaling and root planing effectively remove plaque and calculus, which are significant contributors to periodontal disease. This removal leads to a healthier gingival environment. Specifically, in many cases, after appropriate periodontal intervention, a decrease in probing depth of 1-2 mm can be observed. This reduction signifies that the periodontal tissues are responding positively to the treatment, reflecting both a reduction in the inflammatory process and improved attachment levels of the gum tissue to the teeth. Some studies show that while the probing depths may reduce, the degree can vary based on factors such as the severity of the disease, the patient's oral hygiene practices post-treatment, and overall responsiveness to therapy. The expected outcome aligns with the understanding that successful periodontal therapy leads to healthier periodontal conditions, resulting in improved clinical parameters such as reduced bleeding on probing and diminished inflammation. Hence, this choice accurately captures the anticipated results following effective periodontal cleaning.