What does reducing inflammation after cleaning indicate in a periodontal patient?

Reducing inflammation after cleaning in a periodontal patient is primarily an indication of healing of the periodontal tissues. This process shows that the tissues, which may have been inflamed due to periodontal disease, are responding positively to treatment. A decrease in inflammation suggests that the infection in the gums is being managed effectively, which allows the tissues to recover and promotes overall periodontal health.

In a periodontal context, healing is characterized by a reduction in signs such as swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums. This is significant, as the inflammatory response is part of the body's mechanism to combat infection, but excessive or prolonged inflammation can lead to further tissue and bone loss if not addressed. Therefore, effective cleaning and periodontal treatment should lead to a decrease in inflammation, indicating that the healing process is underway.

Bone healing could also be a consequence of positive treatment outcomes, but it is not directly indicated by the reduction of inflammation. Gum recession, on the other hand, typically signifies loss of gum tissue rather than healing. Finally, stating that there is no impact on periodontal health is contrary to the fundamental goal of periodontal treatment, which aims to improve health outcomes by addressing inflammation and infection.