Periodontitis (“Parodontosis”): Signs, Stages, and Treatment Options

The term “parodontosis” is still widely used, but medically we are talking about periodontitis: a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and, over time, the bone that supports the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, unpleasant odor, periodontal “pockets,” and even tooth mobility / tooth loss.

Below you’ll find, in clear terms: the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis, typical signs, stages (Stage I–IV), risk factors, diagnostic tests, and what step-by-step treatment and long-term maintenance look like.

Gingivitis vs. periodontitis: what’s the difference (and why it matters)

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums (redness, swelling, bleeding), usually related to plaque/tartar, and can be reversible with proper cleaning and professional dental hygiene.

Periodontitis occurs when inflammation extends deeper and begins to affect the tooth-supporting tissues (including bone). This means we’re no longer dealing with just “irritated” gums, but with loss of attachment and sometimes bone, with a risk of tooth mobility.

Signs and symptoms: how to tell it may be periodontitis

Periodontitis doesn’t always hurt at first, but it has some fairly typical warning signs:

  • Gum bleeding during brushing/flossing
  • Halitosis (bad breath) / persistent unpleasant taste
  • Gum recession (teeth appear “longer”)
  • Periodontal pockets (deepened space between gum and tooth) – you can’t “see” them; they’re measured in the dental office
  • New gaps between teeth, teeth that feel “loose,” or changes in your bite
  • In advanced forms: mobile teeth or teeth that may fall out

If you already have frequent bleeding, you can start with the previous article (and link it internally in the blog): “Bleeding Gums: Causes, What It Means, and When You Should See a Dentist”.

Stages (Stage I–IV) and disease “speed” (Grade A–C) — explained simply

In the modern classification (AAP/EFP), periodontitis is described by:

  • Stages (Stage I–IV): how much the disease has affected tissues (severity and complexity)
  • Grades (A–C): how fast it seems to progress and which aggravating factors exist (e.g., smoking, diabetes)

In short:

  • Stage I–II: mild–moderate involvement (often treatable non-surgically if caught early)
  • Stage III: severe involvement (deeper pockets, greater bone loss, higher risk of mobility)
  • Stage IV: severe involvement + functional/complex problems (unstable bite, missing teeth, tooth migration)

Risk factors: who is more likely to develop periodontitis

Anyone can develop periodontal disease, but the risk increases significantly in certain situations:

  • Bacterial plaque and tartar (incomplete hygiene, persistent deposits)
  • Smoking: increases risk and can reduce response to treatment
  • Diabetes: associated with a higher risk of gum disease; the relationship is bidirectional (periodontal inflammation can affect glycemic control)
  • Genetics: it matters, but in practice environmental factors (smoking, diabetes, hygiene) often have a greater impact

How the diagnosis is made: common investigations

A correct diagnosis isn’t made “by eye.” It usually includes:

  • Periodontal probing: measuring pocket depths and bleeding on probing
  • Clinical evaluation: recession, inflammation, mobility, furcation involvement, etc.
  • X-rays: to estimate bone loss and identify problem areas

For evaluation and a treatment plan, you can access Implantis Periodontology.

Step-by-step treatment: how periodontitis is treated (realistically)

Modern treatment is usually step-based. The goal isn’t “overnight healing,” but controlling infection/inflammation and maintaining long-term stability.

1) The basic step: hygiene + removal of deposits

  • oral hygiene instruction (brushing technique + interdental cleaning)
  • professional dental cleaning and removal of supragingival tartar

Useful internal links:

2) The “deep” step: subgingival scaling / curettage (debridement)

When periodontal pockets are present, cleaning below the gum line is required (subgingival instrumentation). Sometimes this is referred to as curettage / root planing, depending on the case and the clinician’s protocol.

3) Re-evaluation

After a healing period, measurements are taken again: bleeding, pocket depths, plaque control. At this stage, the decision is made whether non-surgical treatment is sufficient or if additional steps are needed.

4) Maintenance therapy (very important)

Periodontitis has a risk of relapse if maintenance is lacking. Clinical guidelines recommend supportive periodontal care visits at individualized intervals, usually between 3 and 12 months, depending on risk and achieved stability.

Where laser therapy may fit in (as an adjunct)

In some protocols, laser therapy can be used as an adjunct (in addition to conventional treatment), depending on indication. More details on the Laser Therapy Service

Long-term maintenance and relapses: what patients should know

Periodontitis can be kept under control, but it’s not a “one and done” problem. The most common reasons it comes back:

  • interdental cleaning is skipped (the space between teeth is essential)
  • continued smoking
  • uncontrolled diabetes / unaddressed systemic factors
  • lack of maintenance visits (3–12 months, personalized)

If you have implants or are considering implants, gum health is part of the “foundation.”

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

1) Does periodontitis hurt? Not necessarily. It can progress for a long time with subtle signs (bleeding, odor, recession) and become obvious late.

2) If it no longer bleeds, does that mean it’s healed?
Not always. Especially in smokers, signs can be “masked.” Re-evaluation (probing + monitoring) is essential.

3) Can it be treated without complicated procedures?
In many cases, yes—if it’s detected early and treated step by step, followed by maintenance.

4) How often do I need maintenance visits?
It depends on risk and stability, but guidelines generally recommend intervals between 3 and 12 months, personalized.

Subtle CTA (for the end of the article)

If you have frequent bleeding, recession, persistent odor, or feel that your teeth are “moving,” the safest step is a periodontal evaluation and a step-by-step treatment plan. To book an appointment, you can visit the Contact Implantis page or Periodontology.

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