Introduction
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that affects the gums, bones, and other structures that support the teeth. It can cause inflammation, pain, and even tooth loss if not treated properly. It is important to understand which stages of periodontal disease are absolutely not reversible, so that proper treatment can be provided to protect the teeth and gums.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is divided into four stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontitis, and end-stage periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. At this stage, the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily when brushing or flossing. If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is the second stage of periodontal disease. The gums become more red, swollen, and may bleed easily. The gums may also pull away from the teeth, creating pockets in which bacteria can accumulate.
Advanced periodontitis is the third stage of periodontal disease. At this stage, the gums are severely swollen and inflamed. The pockets between the gums and teeth become deeper and more bacteria accumulate in these pockets. The teeth may become loose and there may be bone loss.
End-stage periodontitis is the most severe stage of periodontal disease. At this stage, the gums are severely inflamed and the pockets between the gums and teeth become even deeper. The teeth become very loose and the bone that supports the teeth is destroyed.
Which Stage Is Absolutely Not Reversible?
Unfortunately, once the end-stage periodontitis is reached, the damage caused by the disease is not reversible. Treatment may be able to slow or stop the progression of the disease, but it cannot reverse the damage that has already been done. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment for periodontal disease as soon as possible to prevent it from reaching the end-stage.