StatPearls, LLC

  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Gingivitis
  • Periodontal Diseases
  • Periodontitis
  • Root Planing

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease encompasses inflammatory conditions affecting the periodontium the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. The condition typically begins as gingivitis, a reversible inflammation caused by plaque accumulation that affects up to 90% of the population. Without intervention, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a chronic, destructive, and irreversible condition characterized by loss of attachment, alveolar bone resorption, and eventual tooth loss. The pathogenesis involves anaerobic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola, which invade the periodontal tissues and surrounding periodontium and trigger a host immune response. While this response aims to eliminate infection and protect against the bacteria, it inadvertently damages the periodontium, contributing to disease progression. Key risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, advancing age, and genetic predisposition. Diagnosis relies on clinical signs such as gingival bleeding, periodontal pocketing, radiographic bone loss, and tooth mobility. Management involves a structured approach, including scaling and root planing, patient education, and ongoing maintenance. Early detection and timely intervention are crucial to prevent complications, especially in patients with systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Effective prevention and treatment can reduce disease progression and improve both oral and systemic health outcomes. This activity provides a comprehensive overview of periodontal disease, including its pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnostic strategies, and evidence-based treatment modalities, covering both nonsurgical and surgical interventions. Additionally, the activity emphasizes the importance of interprofessional collaboration among healthcare providers in effectively identifying and managing periodontal disease.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 6 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left