Introduccion: en el tratamiento de las enfermedades periodontales contamos con la terapia periodontal no quirurgica, la cual ha sido avalada cientificamente mostrando su efectividad. El principal objetivo de este articulo es demostrar la efectividad de la terapia periodontal no quirurgica evidenciada en multiples estudios con relacion a las indicaciones, aspectos microbiologicos, efectos en los tejidos y la importancia de la terapia de mantenimiento una vez finalizado el tratamiento. Metodos: se hizo una revision con relacion al tema en los ultimos anos teniendo como patron los conceptos clave periodontales. Resultados: la terapia periodontal no quirurgica (TPNQ) no es un procedimiento que pueda y deba realizarse en un corto tiempo y en pocas citas, el tiempo para su ejecucion se amplia lo necesario en especial para lograr una limpieza y regularizacion de las raices lo mas completa posible. Conclusion: varios autores reportan que la reduccion de la microbiota se mantuvo entre 14 y 180 dias, luego de la terap a, esto justifica las citas periodicas de mantenimiento periodontal y estos senalan que el aspecto critico de la terapia no es la escogencia entre un procedimiento quirurgico o no quirurgico, sino la limpieza detallada y completa por el profesional y el buen nivel de higiene bucal por parte del paciente. ABSTRACT. Introduction: In the treatment of periodontal diseases, we can rely on nonsurgical periodontal therapy, which has been scientifically proven as its effectiveness has been recognized. The main objective of this article is to demonstrate the usefulness of nonsurgical periodontal therapy, as evidenced in several studies that serve as guidelines, as well as microbiological aspects, effects on tissues and the importance of maintenance therapy after treatment completion. Methods: a review was conducted in order to revise this topic considering key periodontal concepts as a guideline. Results: nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) is a procedure that cannot and should not be carried out in a few sessions; the time required for its completion is extended as necessary in order to achieve cleaning and adjustment of the roots as completely as possible. Conclusions: several authors have reported that reduction of microbiota remains between 14 and 180 days after therapy. This explains the regular periodontal m intenance appointments. They also indicate that the critical aspect of this therapy is not the choice between a surgical or a nonsurgical procedure, but a detailed and thorough cleaning by the dental professional and the good level of oral hygiene achieved by the patient.