What is the goal of Phase I in periodontal therapy?

The primary goal of Phase I in periodontal therapy is to eliminate microbial etiology and contributing factors. This phase, also referred to as the initial or non-surgical phase, focuses on the control of periodontal disease by addressing the plaque biofilm, calculus, and any contributing factors that may worsen the condition, such as improper occlusion and incorrect oral hygiene practices.

During this phase, dental professionals typically implement scaling and root planing to remove subgingival plaque and calculus, along with educating patients about effective oral hygiene practices to maintain periodontal health. This foundational step is crucial, as it aims to reduce inflammation, restore periodontal tissues to a healthier state, and halt the progression of periodontal disease.

The other options involve different aspects of periodontal treatment: final restorations pertain to the completion of dental work post-periodontal treatment, supportive periodontal therapy refers to ongoing maintenance after the initial therapy, and gingival surgeries are surgical interventions that are typically pursued if non-surgical treatments are inadequate. Thus, Phase I is primarily centered on the elimination of microbial factors before considering advanced therapeutic options.