Periodontology Quiz: Gingivitis vs Periodontitis

Study Notes

Students should be able to describe the clinical features of healthy gingiva, gingivitis, and periodontitis
Students should be able to explain the basic histological presentation of healthy gingiva, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
Students should be able to define the terms "false pocketing," "true pocketing," and "clinical attachment loss."
Students should be able to explain symptoms that the patient may experience with gingivitis and periodontitis.
Students should be able to explain the differences between gingivitis and periodontitis.

Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Assess and manage the health of periodontal and soft tissues, taking into account risk, lifestyle factors, plaque control/self-care, and compliance/response to advice.
Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Monitor and record changes in periodontal health using appropriate methods.

"Itis" means inflammation.
The classical signs of acute inflammation are redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function.
Acute inflammation is a short-term response to injury, while chronic inflammation is a long-term response that can damage tissues.
The four patterns of inflammation are serous, fibrinous, purulent, and hemorrhagic.

The gingiva is a specialized mucous membrane that is composed of epithelial tissue and connective tissue, covering the alveolar bone and cementum of the teeth.
The epithelial tissue is composed of stratified squamous epithelium, which is divided into three layers: the basal layer, the prickle cell layer, and the granular layer.
The connective tissue is composed of collagen fibers, fibroblasts, blood vessels, nerves, and other cells.

Assess the clinical appearance, histological understanding, and patient symptoms of tissue health and disease.

### Three Basic States of the Periodontium

Health: The periodontium is healthy and free from inflammation.
Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gingiva, primarily affecting the gingival tissues, with no attachment loss.
Periodontitis: Inflammation of the periodontium, affecting all structures, including the gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone, resulting in attachment loss.

Periodontal diseases are a group of inflammatory conditions that affect the tissues surrounding the teeth.

Gingivitis: Bacterial infection confined to the gingiva. Reversible destruction.
Periodontitis: Bacterial infection of all parts of the periodontium. Irreversible destruction.

Bleeding on probing is a significant indicator of gingivitis. If the gingiva bleeds when probed, it is a sign that the tissues are inflamed.
It's critical to remember that gingival bleeding is not normal and should always be investigated. Even a small amount of bleeding is a sign of inflammation.