Dentistry - periodontal disease Flashcards
What structures are included in the periodontium?
The supporting structures -
Gingiva
Periodontal ligament
Alveolar bone
Cementum
What is periodontal disease?
Inflammation and infection of the periodontium by plaque bacteria and host response
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis - initial reversible stage
Periodontitis - later irreversible stage
What is the difference between plaque and calculus?
Calculus is mineralised plaque - gives plaque a rough retentive surface above and below the gumline
Calculus - just irritant, not pathogenic like plaque is
How quickly can plaque form?
Within 24 hours if undisturbed
What is plaque?
A biofilm - organic matrix of glycoproteins, bacterial, lipids, cellular debris
Stops host defences/antibiotics
What is gingivitis?
Inflammation confined to the gingiva (gums)
Reddening and oedema of the tissue progressing to ulceration, bleeding and gum detachment from the tooth
How is gingivitis treated?
Plaque control - dental cleaning at home or professionally
What are the different stages of the gingivitis index?
0 - normal
1 - mild reddening/inflammation, no bleeding
2 - Reddening, oedema, bleeding on probing
3 - Marked inflammation, ulceration, spontaneous bleeding
What is periodontitis?
Later irreversible stage of inflammation extending to deeper supporting structures of tooth
What are the pathological changes that occur due to periodontitis?
Gingival recession/loss of attachment
Root exposure
Furcation
Pocket formation
Alveolar bone loss
Tooth loss
What is the calculus index?
0 - no calculus
1 - 0-25% coverage of tooth
2 - 25-75%
3 - 75-100%
Why is the calculus not very useful?
The degree of calculus doesnt correspond to the degree of periodontitis
What is the name for the distance measured between the cemento-enamel junction and the gingival margin?
Gingival recession
What is the name for the distance measured between the top of the gingival margin to the bottom of the pocket?
Periodontal pocket depth
