What is the primary goal of periodontal therapy?

The primary goal of periodontal therapy is to restore and maintain the health of the periodontal tissues, which include the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Healthy periodontal tissues are essential for sustaining the overall health of the mouth and body, as well as for the stability and longevity of the teeth.

Restoring periodontal health typically involves the removal of plaque and calculus, reducing inflammation, and addressing any disease processes affecting the gums and bone. Successful periodontal therapy enhances the attachment of the periodontal structures and helps to prevent the progression of periodontal disease, thus preserving teeth and maintaining optimal function.

While enhancing the aesthetic appearance of gums and addressing cosmetic concerns may be components of periodontal care, they are not the primary objectives. Similarly, preventing tooth decay is important but not the focus of periodontal therapy, which is more concerned with the health of the supporting structures of the teeth rather than the teeth themselves. Whitening teeth is primarily a cosmetic procedure unrelated to periodontal health. So, the focus remains firmly on restoring and maintaining periodontal tissue health, making this the correct answer.