SRP Effectiveness by Pocket Depth — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: A — 4-5 mm
Non-surgical periodontal therapy (SRP) is most effective for pockets of 4-5 mm, where the instrumentation can reach the base of the pocket and achieve adequate biofilm and calculus removal. For pockets ≤3 mm, maintenance scaling is usually sufficient. For pockets ≥6-7 mm, SRP alone has diminishing effectiveness due to limited access, and surgical intervention (open flap debridement, regenerative surgery) may be required after initial therapy.
Reference: Newman – Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology, 13th ed., 2019