Types of Periodontal Disease

There are numerous manifestations of periodontal disease and periodontitis, an advanced stage of periodontal disease. A mild form of periodontal disease, gingivitis is a type of gum disease that renders the gums red, swollen and prone to bleed. Gingivitis typically does not bring discomfort and is a reversible condition if treated by good oral hygiene at home. Gingivitis periodontitis can also be treated professionally by a periodontist specialist.

A form of periodontitis that occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy, aggressive periodontitis includes accelerated attachment loss of surrounding tooth tissue and jaw bone destruction.

Chronic periodontitis is a type of gum disease that results in inflammation of supporting teeth tissues, progressive attachment and bone loss. Chronic periodontitis is marked by pocket formation and/or gingival recession (gum recession). As opposed to juvenile periodontitis, chronic periodontitis is common among adults.

Periodontitis, particularly necrotizing periodontal disease characterized by lesions or necrosis of gum tissue, periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone is often associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes, HIV and malnutrition.

Typically a consequence of necrosis, apical periodontitis involves inflammation of the periodontal ligament surrounding the root tip of a tooth.