By what week does tooth mobility typically diminish below pre-treatment levels?

Tooth mobility typically diminishes below pre-treatment levels around the fourth week after a periodontal surgical intervention. This timeframe is established because, post-surgery, the periodontium, including the supporting structures around the teeth, undergoes a healing process. During the initial weeks after the procedure, there may be increased inflammation and potential instability due to tissue manipulation, which can temporarily cause increased tooth mobility.

By the end of the fourth week, the healing process generally leads to the formation of scar tissue and a re-establishment of attachment, promoting stability and reducing mobility. This timeline is also consistent with biological wound healing processes, where the inflammatory phase transitions to the proliferation phase, ultimately leading to maturation and remodeling of the tissues. Thus, monitoring tooth mobility closely during this period is crucial for assessing the success of periodontal therapy.