This of course depends upon what context your speaking in..online vs real life etc as well as what specifically you mean by the "silent treatment".
Like are you talking about a specified period of time that is explained to the submissive before hand...or your partner ceasing all forms of communication out of the blue.
As a punnishment...online... shrugs whatever...if they think its is a punnishment to not speak to me thats their thing...just dont expect me to speak to them when they decide to re-establish contact.
In real life? Well thats a whole different animal...are we dating, just seeing each other for fun on the weekends with no strings attached, or in a commited relationship where we cohabitate?