What is the expected clinical outcome after thorough scaling and root planing (SRP) for a patient with chronic periodontitis?

Scaling and root planing (SRP) is the cornerstone of non-surgical periodontal therapy. Following thorough SRP, the expected outcomes include: reduction in probing pocket depths (1–2 mm in moderate disease, 2–4 mm in severe disease), decreased bleeding on probing, reduced clinical attachment loss progression, decreased bacterial load including putative periodontal pathogens, and reduction in gingival inflammation. SRP does not 'cure' periodontitis — ongoing maintenance therapy (periodontal supportive therapy, typically every 3–4 months) is required to prevent disease recurrence. Bone regeneration does not predictably occur with SRP alone; regenerative procedures (guided tissue regeneration, bone grafting) are separate surgical interventions.