Periodontal Diseases and Oral Bone Loss

Periodontal diseases constitute a variety of inflammatory conditions affecting the health of the periodontium. The primary etiological component is bacterial-derived plaque accumulation around teeth. The two major categories of periodontal diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis, which are distinguished from one another based upon the extent of tissue loss that directly supports the teeth. Clinical parameters of inflammation (e.g., bleeding upon probing into the periodontal sulcus), pocket depth measurements, clinical attachment levels, evidence of plaque/calculus, and tooth mobility are used to arrive at a clinical diagnosis. Radiographic assessments of the extent of bone loss are primary criteria to determine if bone loss has occurred. Periodontal therapy is directed toward the reduction and elimination of inflammation, thereby allowing the gingival tissue to heal. Clinical diagnostics that address novel salivary diagnostics measuring biomarkers that may be predictive of periodontal severity, susceptibility, or perhaps predict future disease are actively being pursued.