What indicates a successful intervention during supportive periodontal therapy?

A successful intervention during supportive periodontal therapy is indicated by stable probing depths. This outcome reflects the maintenance of periodontal health, suggesting that the periodontal tissues are not exhibiting any signs of further deterioration. When probing depths remain stable, it indicates that inflammation and attachment loss are being effectively managed, and the disease is under control.

In this context, stable probing depths mean that there is no progression of periodontal disease, which aligns with the goals of supportive therapy. Maintaining these depths is crucial because increases could lead to further complications, and the need for more frequent interventions indicates that the treatment plan may not be effectively managing the patient's periodontal health. Thus, stability is a key marker of success in this therapeutic context.