True or False: Phase IV always occurs 3 months after Phase III.

Phase IV in periodontal treatment refers to the maintenance phase, which is designed for ongoing care following the completion of active intervention in phases I through III. The timing of Phase IV is not strictly defined as occurring exactly three months after Phase III for every patient or every case.

This phase can vary widely depending on individual patient needs, healing responses, and specific treatment protocols. Factors such as the patient's oral hygiene compliance, the severity of the periodontal disease, and the complexity of procedures performed can influence the timing of this maintenance phase. It is often recommended that patients are evaluated periodically, and maintenance appointments may occur at intervals shorter or longer than three months based on these assessments.

Being flexible in timing allows practitioners to tailor care to the specific needs of each patient, ensuring effective long-term periodontal health. Therefore, asserting that Phase IV always occurs after a fixed period like three months overlooks the tailored nature of periodontal maintenance practices.