In this course you will learn what causes inflammation in the gingival tissues. What is causing the alveolar bone to dissolve creating pockets? Is it the bacteria causing this breakdown of alveolar bone? Does clenching play a role?
Inflammation:
Inflammation is the result of fluid entering the tissues. This can be the result of a blow to the arm that breaks the blood vessels in the arm, but leaves the other tissues intact, meaning the skin remains intact. Blood flowing from the internal wound builds up in the tissues until there is enough pressure to stop the bleeding from the broken vessels. The body builds a membrane around the fluid separating it from the other tissues in the arm. This is called a hematoma. Gradually the hematoma reduces in size and the tissues (blood vessels) heal bringing the tissues back to normal.
Inflammation resulting from a bacteria invasion work similarly in that fluids fill the tissues. To see how this relates to the teeth, we need to understand the mechanics of the bacteria....