The regaining of lost technology has had a radical impact on crafthalls, including: the introduction of computers, the transcription of information stored on disks, the inaugurations of a new crafthall dedicated to studying and repairing the machines, the creation of electric generators using wind and tides, the idea of surgery on humans and animals (most of the healers are too squeamish!), a communications device that resembles a cellular phone, more mining and additional smelting techniques to create silicon chips and stainless steel, a need to rediscover plastics, and a new school system designed to use Aivas' memory as well as to prepare young people to cope with future problems. The number of these rediscovered tools is quite overwhelming to a careful reader of McCaffrey's series; this planet is reeling with culture shock. Additionally, not all find this new information equally useful or desirable — a potential source of future conflict. Yet, the leaders of Pern are aware of the possible changes precipitated by Aivas' discovery and its input into the society.

Aivas' program is to stop Threadfall forever, a plan that occupies the time and attention of the Weyrleaders F'lar and Lessa, as the plan is dragon-labor intensive. The actual preparation and culmination is detailed in All The Weyrs of Pern (1991). Nevertheless, the elimination of this great planetary threat raises a host of questions that are repeatedly mulled over by various characters: what will happen to the dragons? As detailed in Renegades and All Weyrs, the weyrs claim a portion of the Southern Continent for themselves, since they will no longer function in their primary capacity and will no longer claim tithes of the other holds. Clearly, the dragons are capable of a variety of other tasks — the transition will require dragon riders to recognize their versatility and to break with tradition.

While the human relationship with dragons is of cultural concern, the discover of another intelligent species on the planet raises the question: What do we do with the dolphins? McCaffrey adds an additional facet to this new relationship that puts it beyond the stereotypical "boy-and-his-dolphin" story; the dolphins have an independent and sophisticated culture. Interestingly, she draws a comparison between the dolphins and Menolly. Both have an affinity for music, and communicate their most heartfelt experiences through song. Additionally, Menolly has been where they are: ignored for their talents, neglected, even discriminated against. For many, the dolphins are fish, nonentities. Yet McCaffrey clearly rejects that position, underscoring the theme of a lost relationship between dolphins and humans, represented by the restored Dolphin Bell.

The theme of rediscovery and restoration has been sounding through the series almost since the beginning. Aivas tells them the original charter and intention of the Pern colonists. There is a growing sense, with the elimination of the threat of Thread, that somehow the culture has to return to create the society that was intended by its founders, the society that got sidetracked by Thread. Clearly, the interpretations of intention are tricky at best, but the study of history may be a fruitful new avenue of study for this planet.