Knowra Periodontal disease Periodontal disease Periodontal disease is a group of inflammatory conditions affecting the gums and other tissues that support the teeth, often involving bacterial plaque. It ranges from reversible gum inflammation to destruction of the tooth-supporting structures.
Dental plaque : A structured community of microorganisms attached to tooth surfaces within a matrix they produce. Plaque accumulating near the gumline can trigger the inflammation that begins periodontal disease.
Periodontium : The tissues that surround and support the teeth: gingiva, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Periodontal disease affects one or more components of this supporting system.
Periodontal probing : A clinical examination that measures the depth of the space between gums and teeth. Pocket measurements help identify and monitor periodontal breakdown.
Tooth loss : The loss of a tooth through disease, injury, or extraction. Severe destruction of periodontal support can leave a tooth unable to remain stable.
Dental caries : A biofilm-mediated disease that demineralizes and destroys the hard tissues of teeth. Caries damages tooth structure, whereas periodontal disease damages tissues supporting the teeth.
Gingivitis : Inflammation of the gums, typically caused by dental plaque, without loss of tooth-supporting bone. It is the early, generally reversible form of periodontal disease.
Gingiva : The mucosal tissue that covers the alveolar processes and surrounds the necks of the teeth. Gum inflammation is the visible starting point for many periodontal conditions.
Dental radiography : Imaging of teeth and surrounding oral structures using X-rays. Radiographs can reveal supporting bone loss not visible from the gum surface.
Gingival recession : Apical displacement of the gum margin that exposes more of a tooth or its root. It can accompany periodontal attachment loss and expose sensitive root surfaces.
Periapical periodontitis : Inflammation around a tooth root apex, usually arising from infection within the root canal. Despite the shared word, it affects tissues at the root tip rather than the gumline attachment.
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