Is there a difference between gingivitis and periodontitis? my dad has been told by his dentist that is has periodontitis, which i thought was just a bad form of gingivitis. after doing a bit of reading though, it sounds like it might be much worse. is th

A : A basic explanation is that gingivitis affects the soft tissues surrounding the teeth and is quite reversible if the irritants are removed. If the gum disease process continues or if other factors exist the bone support surrounding the teeth becomes involved and is considered periodontitis. This is a more advanced form of gum disease and requires more aggressive treatment. This may or may not include surgical intervention.The differential diagnosis and treatment should be left to a qualified general dentist or periodontist.

Agree : Agree with dr. Scharf's explanation. To take it one step further, the goal of treatment with both diseases is to stop the inflammatory process and prevent further loss of bone. Once the supporting bone is lost it is very hard, if not impossible, to replace. This bone loss ultimately compromising the support to the teeth causing them to loosen and be lost..

Gingivitis : Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontitis and is the only reversible stage. There is no bone loss yet. Periodontitis means bone loss, and there are many levels or degrees. It is controllable, but requires help from a dentist or periodontist.

Periodontitis: Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gingiva. It is the situation that leads to periodontitis if left untreated .Periodontitis is the inflammation of the periodontium (the tissue that support the tooth and attaches teeth to the bony socket ).It is more involved and if it is not treated a patient could easily loose his/her teeth down the road.

Yes: Gingivitis can and often does become periodontitis if not treated or reversed early.