Rationale

Phase I therapy is defined by the evidence-based American Association of Periodontology practice guidelines⁵ as the initiation of a comprehensive daily plaque control regimen, management of periodontal-systemic interrelationships as needed, thorough removal of supra and subgingival bacterial plaque biofilm and calculus, chemotherapeutic agents as necessary, and elimination of local factors^1,2,3,4,6 such as defective restorations and treatment of carious lesions.^7,9,15,16,20 These procedures are a required part of periodontal therapy, regardless of the extent of disease present. In many cases, only phase I therapy will required to restore periodontal health, or it will constitute the preparatory phase for surgical therapy. Figures 44-1 and 44-2 show the results of phase I therapy in two patients with chronic periodontitis. The goal of cause-related phase I periodontal therapy has been succinctly stated as the approach aimed at removal of pathogenic biofilms, toxins and calculus, and the reestablishment of a biologically acceptable root surface.¹⁰

Phase I therapy is a critical aspect of periodontal treatment. Data from clinical research indicate that the long-term success of periodontal surgical treatment is dependent upon maintaining the plaque biofilm control results achieved with phase I therapy. In fact, patients who do not have adequate plaque biofilm control will continue to lose attachment regardless of what surgical procedures are performed.¹² In addition, phase I therapy provides an opportunity for the dentist to evaluate tissue response and provide reinforcement about home care, both of which are crucial elements to the overall success of treatment.

Based on the knowledge that microbial plaque biofilm is the major etiologic agent in gingival inflammation, one specific aim of phase I therapy for every patient is effective daily plaque biofilm removal at home. These home care procedures can be complex, time consuming, and often require changing long-standing habits. Good oral hygiene is more easily accomplished if the tooth surfaces are free of calculus deposits and other irregularities so that surfaces are easily accessible. Management of contributing all local factors is required in phase I therapy. The following list of elements makes up phase I therapy:

Treatment Sessions

After careful analysis and diagnosis of the specific periodontal condition present, the dentist must develop a treatment plan that includes all required procedures and estimates the number of appointments necessary to complete phase I therapy. In most cases, patients require several treatment sessions for the complete debridement of tooth surfaces. All of the following conditions must be considered when determining the phase I treatment plan¹⁸:

Sequence of Procedures