January 2015 Supplement

Introduction Periodontal disease is an all-encompassing term relating to inflammatory disorders of the periodontium, which range from the relatively benign form known as gingivitis to the more aggressive forms of early onset periodontitis and rapidly progressive periodontitis. All forms of inflammatory periodontal diseases are associated with bacterial deposits on the root surfaces (Offenbacher et al., 1996; Page et al., 1997). One of the most significant outcomes of periodontal inflammation is connective tissue damage. Because the gingival tissues have a remarkable capacity to regenerate to their original form and function, the tissue damage caused by gingivitis is reversible, provided the causative agent(s) are removed (Melcher, 1976). However, with long-term plaque deposition the disease may become more established and destructive. Depending upon host, genetic, environmental and other factors, there may be subsequent loss of connective tissue attachment to the root surface, bone resorption, and formation of a periodontal pocket. In contrast to gingivitis, with the establishment of periodontitis, many of the architectural changes to the hard and soft connective tissues are irreversible - even if the causative inflammation is controlled.