ABSTRACT
Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two major forms of inflammatory diseases affecting the gingiva and periodontal attachment apparatus of the teeth. By definition (1) gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva and (2) periodontitis is inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth, including bone and periodontal ligament. Inflammation of the periodontium can be caused by many factors, yet most forms of gingivitis and periodontitis result directly from growth and accumulation of oral microorganisms. Failure to treat gingivitis and periodontitis leads eventually to loss of teeth and deterioration of the adjacent soft and bony tissues. Apart from gingivitis and periodontitis, but somewhat related to them, are the traumatic events associated with tooth extraction, which can result in delayed healing and infection at the respective site. This leads to the so-called dry socket. Failure to treat dry socket in a timely fashion can cause bone resorption.
