Plaque Induced Gingivitis on a Reduced Periodontium

PLAQUE INDUCED GINGIVITIS ON A REDUCED PERIODONTIUM

Following active periodontal treatment and the resolution of periodontal inflammation in periodontitis, the periodontal tissue is healthy but with a reduced connective tissue attachment and alveolar bone height. Plaque-induced gingivitis on a reduced periodontium is characterized by the return of bacteria -induced inflammation to the gingival margin on a reduced periodontium with no evidence of progressive attachment loss (ie. no indication of active disease). If a clinician is going to make the diagnosis of "gingivitis on a reduced but stable periodontium", it is necessary to longitudinally demonstrate that attachment loss is not occurring.

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF PLAQUE INDUCED GINGIVITIS ON A REDUCED PERIODONTIUM

  1. Resolution of a periodontitis; therefore, pre-existing attachment loss or bone loss may be present
  2. Plaque present at gingival margin
  3. Disease begins at the gingival margin
  4. Change in gingival colour
  5. Change in gingival contour
  6. Sulcular temperature change
  7. Increased gingival exudate
  8. Bleeding upon provocation
  9. Histological changes
  10. Reversible with plaque removal