Gum Disease Stages
From reversible inflammation to bone loss, understanding the stages explains the urgency.
Stage 1: gingivitis
Gums are red, swollen and bleed easily, but no bone has been lost. This stage is completely reversible with cleaning and better home care.
Stage 2: early periodontitis
Pockets deepen to 4 or 5 millimeters and small amounts of bone are lost. Scaling and root planing is the standard treatment.
Stage 3: moderate periodontitis
Pockets deepen further, bone loss is visible on X-rays, and teeth may feel slightly loose. Treatment becomes more involved.
Stage 4: advanced periodontitis
Significant bone loss, shifting or loose teeth, and possible abscesses. Some teeth may not be savable.
The key point
Lost bone does not regenerate on its own. Treating at stage 1 or 2 is the difference between a cleaning and surgery.
Written by the team at Uptown Dentistry, led by Dr. Nicki Tajalli, DDS, in Uptown Houston. This article is general information, not a substitute for an exam.