Which condition involves inflammation of gum tissue with bone loss around teeth?

Which condition involves inflammation of gum tissue with bone loss around teeth?

• A. Gingival hyperplasia
• B. Periapical abscess
• C. Periodontitis
• D. Periodontal maintenance

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that bone loss around teeth with gum inflammation signals periodontitis, a disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth. In periodontitis, the inflammatory process damages the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, leading to pocket formation, gum recession, tooth mobility, and radiographic bone loss. This distinguishes it from gingivitis, where the gums are inflamed but there is no bone destruction. Other options don’t fit because gingival hyperplasia is gum overgrowth without bone loss; a periapical abscess is an infection at the tooth root tip; periodontal maintenance refers to ongoing care, not a disease state.

The main idea is that bone loss around teeth with gum inflammation signals periodontitis, a disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth. In periodontitis, the inflammatory process damages the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, leading to pocket formation, gum recession, tooth mobility, and radiographic bone loss. This distinguishes it from gingivitis, where the gums are inflamed but there is no bone destruction. Other options don’t fit because gingival hyperplasia is gum overgrowth without bone loss; a periapical abscess is an infection at the tooth root tip; periodontal maintenance refers to ongoing care, not a disease state.