Periodontosis - a historical term
Periodontosis or periodontitis? What the difference is, which term is technically correct and what lies behind receding gums.
The term 'periodontosis' dates from the 1920s. At the time it covered every disease of the tooth-supporting apparatus. Originally it meant something specific: loss of bone without inflammation and without deepened gum pockets.
Why the term no longer holds
Research has shown that virtually every loss of the tooth-supporting apparatus is caused by inflammation. The correct term is therefore periodontitis – the ending states that inflammation is present.
In everyday speech 'periodontosis' persists. When you hear or use the word, periodontitis is almost always what is meant – and that calls for treatment.
Answered briefly
Frequently asked questions
Colloquially yes, technically no. “Periodontosis” once described recession without inflammation. Almost always, however, there is inflammation – and that is called periodontitis. The term periodontosis is regarded as obsolete today.
Because it has become established. Findings and treatment plans today say periodontitis, with stage and grade. When you hear “periodontosis”, the same thing is almost always meant.