Creating a comprehensive glossary of 200 periodontal disease terms is an excellent resource for educating patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Below is a list of important terms related to periodontal disease. Each term is followed by a brief definition to aid understanding. This glossary is designed to fit on your designated web page, providing valuable information to visitors.
Glossary of Periodontal Disease Terms
1. **Abscess**: Localized collection of pus within the tissues of the periodontium, often caused by infection.
2. **Aggressive Periodontitis**: Rapidly progressing form of periodontitis occurring in individuals with otherwise good health.
3. **Alveolar Bone**: The bone that holds the teeth in place within the jaw.
4. **Antiseptic Mouthwash**: A mouth rinse used to reduce oral bacteria and freshen breath.
5. **Biofilm**: A thin layer of bacteria that adheres to surfaces, such as teeth.
6. **Bleeding on Probing (BOP)**: Bleeding induced during periodontal probing, indicating inflammation.
7. **Bone Resorption**: The process by which bone is broken down, releasing minerals into the bloodstream.
8. **Calculus (Tartar)**: Hardened plaque that has mineralized on teeth surfaces.
9. **Cementum**: The hard tissue that covers the tooth root, helping attach the periodontal ligament.
10. **Chronic Periodontitis**: The most common form of periodontal disease in adults, leading to gradual attachment loss.
11. **Collagen**: A protein critical to the strength of gingival and periodontal fibers.
12. **Curettage**: Surgical procedure involving the scraping of the gingival wall of a periodontal pocket.
13. **Cytokines**: Proteins involved in the immune response that can influence periodontal inflammation.
14. **Deep Scaling**: Removal of tartar from below the gum line.
15. **Diabetes and Periodontal Disease**: Diabetes can increase the risk and severity of periodontal disease.
16. **Edema**: Swelling due to fluid accumulation, often seen in inflamed gums.
17. **Flap Surgery**: A surgical periodontal procedure to access the roots of teeth for cleaning.
18. **Fluoride**: A mineral that strengthens teeth enamel and aids in preventing decay.
19. **Frenectomy**: Removal of a frenum, a fold of tissue found inside the mouth.
20. **Furcation Involvement**: Bone loss affecting the areas where roots of multi-rooted teeth meet.
21. **Gingival Hyperplasia**: Overgrowth of the gingival tissue.
22. **Gingivitis**: Inflammation of the gums without loss of tooth attachment.
23. **Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)**: Technique to encourage growth of lost bone and periodontal tissue.
24. **Halitosis**: Persistent bad breath often caused by periodontal disease.
25. **Host Response**: The body's defense mechanisms responding to periodontal pathogens.
26. **Hydrogen Peroxide**: Common ingredient in oral hygiene products for its antibacterial properties.
27. **Immune Response**: The body's defensive reaction to pathogens.
28. **Implant**: Artificial tooth root placed in the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.
29. **Interdental Papilla**: The portion of the gum between adjacent teeth.
30. **Localized Periodontitis**: Periodontitis affecting specific, not widespread, areas of the mouth.
31. **Lysis**: The breakdown of cells, often referring to the destruction of bacteria.
32. **Malocclusion**: Misalignment of teeth, potentially affecting periodontal health.
33. **Mobility**: Movement of a tooth within its socket, indicating attachment loss.
34. **Mucogingival Junction**: The line where the gingiva meets the movable mucosa.
35. **Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (NUG)**: A severe form of gingivitis resulting in pain, bleeding, and tissue necrosis.
36. **Occlusal Adjustment**: Adjusting the biting surfaces of teeth to correct discrepancies.
37. **Occlusion**: The contact between teeth, influencing periodontal health.
38. **Oral Hygiene**: Practices such as brushing and flossing to maintain dental health.
39. **Orthodontic Therapy**: Treatment involving devices to correct teeth and bite issues.
40. **Osteoblasts**: Cells responsible for bone formation.
41. **Osteoclasts**: Cells responsible for bone resorption.
42. **Palatal**: Pertaining to the roof of the mouth.
43. **Periodontal Ligament (PDL)**: Connective tissue holding the tooth in its socket.
44. **Periodontal Maintenance**: Ongoing care to manage periodontal health following initial treatment.
45. **Periodontal Pocket**: A pathogenic deepening of the gingival sulcus.
46. **Periodontitis**: A more severe form of gum disease causing damage to soft tissue and bone supporting teeth.
47. **Periopathogens**: Bacteria implicated in periodontal disease.
48. **Plaque**: Sticky deposit on teeth, consisting of bacteria, food particles, and saliva.
49. **Probing Depth**: Measurement of the depth of gum pockets around teeth.
50. **Prophylaxis (Prophy)**: Routine professional cleaning of the teeth.
51. **Pulpitis**: Inflammation of the dental pulp, leading to tooth pain.
52. **Pyorrhea**: An old term for periodontal disease, characterized by pus discharge.
53. **Recession**: Retraction of gum tissue exposing more of the tooth or its root.
54. **Regeneration**: Renewal or restoration of lost periodontal tissues.
55. **Root Planning**: Cleaning of root surfaces below the gum line to remove bacterial toxins.
56. **Scaling**: Removal of plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces.
57. **Silicone Rubber Dam**: Barrier used during dental procedures to isolate specific areas.
58. **Stomatitis**: Inflammation of the mouth and lips.
59. **Sulcus**: Natural space between a tooth and surrounding gum.
60. **Systemic Condition**: A health condition affecting the entire body, potentially impacting gum health.
61. **Tetracycline**: Antibiotic sometimes used in periodontal therapy.
62. **TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder)**: Disorder affecting the jaw joint and muscles, potentially influencing periodontal health.
63. **Tooth Mobility**: Movement of a tooth due to loss of periodontal support.
64. **Tooth Sensitivity**: Discomfort or pain in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet or acidic stimuli.
65. **Toxin**: Harmful substances produced by bacteria that irritate gum tissue.
66. **Transgingival Therapy**: Treatment applied directly on or through the gums.
67. **Ultrasonic Scaler**: A high-frequency tool used to remove tartar from teeth.
68. **Vestibuloplasty**: Surgical modification of vestibule, useful in preparing for dentures.
69. **Xerostomia**: Dry mouth condition sometimes affecting periodontal health.
70. **Zygomatic Implants**: Special type of dental implants used when upper jaw bone is insufficient.
71. **Acidogenic Theory**: Theory linking acid production by bacteria to tooth decay.
72. **Antibiotic Therapy**: Use of antibiotics in controlling bacterial infection in periodontal treatment.
73. **Apical Migration**: Downward displacement of gingival attachment.
74. **Attachment Loss**: Loss of connective tissue fibers attaching teeth to bone.
75. **Bacteremia**: Presence of bacteria in the bloodstream potentially linked to periodontitis.
76. **Bacterial Colonization**: Initial phase of periodontal disease when bacteria settle in the gingival area.
77. **Biologic Width**: Natural distance between the base of the pocket and bone.
78. **Bruxism**: Habitual grinding of teeth potentially leading to periodontal problems.
79. **Cardiovascular Disease Link**: Suggested relationship between periodontal and heart diseases.
80. **Chemotherapeutics**: Chemical agents used to suppress periodontal disease microbes.
81. **Clinical Attachment Level (CAL)**: Measurement used to assess periodontal support loss.
82. **Composite Resins**: Tooth-colored materials used for restorations.
83. **Connective Tissue Graft**: Surgical procedure to cover exposed roots or augment soft tissue.
84. **Corticosteroids**: Anti-inflammatory drugs used in some periodontal treatments.
85. **Crown Lengthening**: Surgical procedure to expose more tooth structure.
86. **Demineralization**: Loss of minerals from tooth enamel leading to decay.
87. **Endodontic Therapy**: Treatment of root canals within the tooth.
88. **Epithelial Attachment**: Tissue that attaches gums to teeth.
89. **Erythritol Powder**: Fine powder used in air polishing to remove biofilm.
90. **Fibroblast**: Cells that play a major role in the formation of connective tissue.
91. **Haversian Canals**: Channels in bone that contain blood vessels and nerves.
92. **Hormonal Factors**: Influence of hormones on periodontal health.
93. **Host Modulation Therapy**: Treatments targeting the host response to periodontal pathogens.
94. **Hypertrophy**: Excessive growth of gum tissue.
95. **Incidence**: The rate of new or diagnosed cases of a disease.
96. **Inflammatory Mediators**: Chemicals released during inflammation gently encouraging healing.
97. **Interproximal**: Space between two teeth used predominantly in flossing.
98. **Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy**: Procedures to manage periodontal disease without surgery.
99. **Occlusal Trauma**: Damage due to excessive biting forces.
100. **Osseointegration**: The direct connection between living bone and the surface of an implant.
101. **Oxygenating Agents**: Chemicals that release oxygen to help kill anaerobic bacteria.
102. **Papilla Preservation**: Surgical technique aiming to keep the interdental papilla intact.
103. **Periapical Lesions**: Inflammatory lesions at the apex of a tooth root.
104. **Periodontal Biotype**: Classification of the thickness of periodontal tissue.
105. **Periodontal Dressing**: Protective material placed over surgical sites post-operation.
106. **Periodontal Examination**: Assessment of gum health and tooth support.
107. **Periodontal Index**: Measurement tool for assessing the condition of periodontal tissue.
108. **Periodontal Ligament Cells**: Cells forming the connective tissue attaching the tooth to the alveolar bone.
109. **Periodontal Pathogens**: Harmful bacteria associated with periodontal disease.
110. **Periodontal Pocket Formation**: The creation of gaps between gum tissue and tooth roots.
111. **Periodontal Probe**: An instrument used to measure pocket depth around a tooth.
112. **Periodontal Therapy Goals**: Preventing tooth loss and controlling infection.
113. **Periodontium**: The supporting structures of the teeth including gums and bone.
114. **Prostaglandins**: Lipids that can exacerbate inflammation in periodontal tissues.
115. **Reattachment**: Healing of periodontal tissue to a previously diseased root surface.
116. **Refractory Periodontitis**: Periodontitis that does not respond to typical treatment.
117. **Ridge Augmentation**: Procedure to augment bone ridge before placing implants.
118. **Root Caries**: Decay affecting the root surface.
119. **Root Coverage**: Surgical procedures to cover exposed tooth roots.
120. **Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)**: Deep-cleaning procedure for treating periodontal disease.
121. **Sinus Augmentation**: Surgical procedure to increase bone tissue in sinus area for implants.
122. **Smoking and Periodontitis**: Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing periodontal disease.
123. **Socket Preservation**: Procedure to maintain bone structure after tooth extraction.
124. **Subgingival**: Located or occurring under the gumline.
125. **Supragingival**: Located above the gumline.
126. **Systematic Reviews**: Comprehensive reviews of research on periodontal treatments.
127. **Tissue Destruction**: Breakdown of tissue, often due to inflammation.
128. **Tooth Biomechanics**: Study of mechanical properties affecting teeth function.
129. **Tooth Eruption**: The process of teeth emerging through the gums.
130. **Transgingival Probing**: Measuring pocket depths by probing through gum tissue.
131. **Treatment Planning**: Process of creating a plan for periodontal disease management.
132. **Ultrasound in Periodontics**: Use of ultrasound technology in periodontal treatment.
133. **Undermining Resorption**: Loss of bone or tissue support beneath teeth, leading to periodontal pockets.
134. **Vertical Bone Loss**: Bone loss occurring in a vertical direction below the gumline.
135. **Wound Healing Stages**: Phases of healing post-periodontal surgery.
136. **Zinc Oxide Eugenol**: Material sometimes used in periodontal dressings.
137. **Carbon Dioxide Laser**: A laser type used occasionally in periodontal treatment.
138. **Periodontal Regeneration**: The process by which lost periodontal tissues are re-grown.
139. **Immunomodulation**: Alteration of the immune response, relevant in periodontal therapy.
140. **Lanap (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure)**: Laser therapy to treat periodontal disease.
141. **Fibrin Sealant**: Glue-like material used in some periodontal surgeries.
142. **Minimal Invasive Periodontics**: Techniques minimizing surgical extent and patient discomfort.
143. **Functional Crown Lengthening**: Surgical approach for extending tooth structure when it's insufficient.
144. **Antigenic Stimulation**: Immune response associated with periodontal bacteria.
145. **Endogenous Flora**: Natural bacteria in the mouth potentially harmful when growth is unchecked.
146. **Alveolar Osteitis**: Also known as dry socket, a condition affecting healing post-extraction.
147. **Periodontal Review**: Reassessment of periodontal treatment results and adjustments if necessary.
148. **Microsurgical Approach**: Utilizing magnification for precision in periodontal surgeries.
149. **Desquamative Gingivitis**: Severe form of gingivitis with sloughing of gum tissue.
150. **Xerogenic Medication**: Medication causing dry mouth, affecting periodontal health.
151. **Gingival Enlargement**: Increase in gingival size, consistent with some periodontal conditions.
152. **Pathogen Reservoirs**: Areas where bacteria proliferate, affecting periodontal health.
153. **Genetic Predisposition**: Genetic factors contributing to susceptibility to periodontal disease.
154. **Palatal Graft**: Harvesting and transplanting tissue from the palate to another gum area.
155. **Retreatment**: Additional therapy following unsuccessful periodontal treatment.
156. **Virulence Factors**: Traits of pathogens enabling disease progression.
157. **Caries Risk Assessment**: Evaluation of an individual's risk for tooth decay.
158. **Periodontic-Restorative Interface**: Relationship between periodontal and restorative dental treatments.
159. **Photo-Activated Disinfection**: Light-activated therapy to reduce bacteria in periodontal pockets.
160. **Systemic Antibiotics**: Oral/IV antibiotics affecting the whole body including periodontal tissues.
161. **Osseous Defects**: Bone defects adjacent to teeth, pertinent in periodontal conditions.
162. **Phagocytosis**: Process of cell ingestion for immune response, relevant in periodontal defense.
163. **Immune Surveillance**: Monitoring of tissues by cells of the immune system.
164. **Corticosteroid Therapy**: Use in reducing periodontal inflammation in acute cases.
165. **Periodontal Suturing Techniques**: Methods used to close incisions post-periodontal surgery.
166. **Host-Bacteria Interplay**: Interaction between body's defenses and bacterial intruders causing periodontitis.
167. **Juvenile Periodontitis**: Periodontal disease affecting adolescents and young adults.
168. **Herpetic Gingivostomatitis**: Viral infection causing gum inflammation.
169. **Locally-Delivered Antimicrobials**: Application of antimicrobials directly to periodontal sites.
170. **Epithelial Migration**: Movement of gingival tissue cells affecting periodontal pocket depth.
171. **Proteolytic Enzymes**: Enzymes breaking down proteins, sometimes involved in tissue degradation.
172. **Dental Risk Factors**: Factors potentially increasing susceptibility to periodontal disease.
173. **Peri-Implantitis**: Gingival inflammation around dental implants.
174. **Documentation**: Recordkeeping of periodontal condition and treatments.
175. **Biopsy**: Collection of tissue sample for diagnostic purposes.
176. **Lamina Dura**: Dense bone surrounding teeth, visible on X-rays.
177. **Antioxidants**: Compounds that may reduce periodontal tissue inflammation.
178. **CTG (Connective Tissue Graft)**: Used in recession coverage or to build gum tissue post-surgery.
179. **Staging and Grading**: System to determine periodontitis severity and progression potential.
180. **Nitrous Oxide Sedation**: Used during periodontal procedures for patient comfort.
181. **Regenerative Medicine**: Utilizing biological materials to regrow periodontal structures.
182. **Dexamethasone**: A potent steroid sometimes used to manage inflammation.
183. **Root Amputation**: Surgical removal of one or more roots of a multi-rooted tooth.
184. **Polymicrobial Infection**: Infections involving multiple types of bacteria.
185. **Antigen-Antibody Response**: Body's immune response to bacterial invaders.
186. **Gingivectomy**: Surgical removal of gum tissue to treat disease or improve appearance.
187. **Hyperplastic Gingivitis**: Overgrowth of gum tissue associated with inflammation.
188. **Periodontal Dressing Removal**: Removal of the protective material post-treatment.
189. **Hygienist**: A dental professional focusing on preventive oral care and maintenance.
190. **Amoxicillin/Clavulanate**: Antibiotic combination sometimes prescribed for periodontal disease.
191. **Empirical Therapy**: Treatment based on clinical experience rather than specific testing.
192. **Nonspecific Plaque Hypothesis**: Theory suggesting all plaque bacteria could cause periodontal disease.
193. **Dentin Hypersensitivity**: Increased sensitivity when areas of dentin are exposed due to gum recession.
194. **Periosteum**: Membrane covering bone important in periodontal surgery healing.
195. **Resorption**: Process leading to a reduction in periodontal and bone material.
196. **Free Soft Tissue Graft**: Procedure to build gum tissue between teeth or cover roots.
197. **Radiographic Assessment**: X-ray evaluation in periodontal diagnosis and treatment planning.
198. **Cystostomy**: Rare term associated more with urology but may involve tissue removal.
199. **Functional Occlusion**: Optimal contact between teeth supporting periodontal health.
200. **Antibody Titer**: Measurement of specific antibodies present, indicating immune response level.