Defining Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis is seen as the most common form of periodontal disease (Gingival Diseases), is a disease in which inflammation is limited to the gingiva. Gingivitis can turn into periodontitis in some cases with the progression of the inflammatory process to the periodontal tissues.

'Periodontitis' is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by a complex subgingival microbial plaque, characterized by the loss of supporting alveolar bone and connective tissue attachment. Chronic periodontitis first leads to the loss of tooth support tissues, and then to the loss of the tooth. Primary clinical features of periodontitis; clinical attachment loss, alveolar bone loss, periodontal pocket formation and gingival inflammation. In addition, gingival enlargement or recession, increased mobility, bleeding, malpositions and tooth loss in the last stage can be counted among other clinical symptoms.