Phase I is NOT complete until the patient is re-evaluated how many weeks later?

In periodontal treatment, Phase I therapy, often referred to as initial therapy, includes procedures aimed at controlling inflammation and infection, such as scaling and root planing, along with patient education about proper oral hygiene practices. It is essential to allow a sufficient amount of time for the tissues to respond to the interventions carried out during this phase.

Re-evaluation typically occurs about 4 to 6 weeks post-treatment, as this period allows for healing and assessment of the periodontal condition following initial therapy. During this time, periodontal tissues settle and any inflammation subsides, which provides a clearer picture of the effectiveness of the initial treatment. This timeframe is critical because it helps in determining the need for further treatment or interventions based on how well the patient's tissues have responded.

Thus, conducting a re-evaluation within this window ensures accurate assessment of periodontal health and informs the next steps in the patient's treatment plan.