Final answer:
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of periodontal disease often resulting from untreated gingivitis, which can lead to inflammation of the periodontal membrane, erosion of gums, and ultimately tooth loss. Good oral hygiene and professional intervention are essential for management and prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition often resulting from untreated gingivitis and that leads to inflammation of the periodontal membrane is periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe form of periodontal disease where the inflammation and infection spread deeper into the tissues surrounding the teeth, eventually leading to erosion of the gums, bone tissue, and cementum—a material that helps hold the teeth in place. This progressive condition is characterized by symptoms such as inflamed and eroded gums, bleeding, and halitosis(bad breath). If left untreated, it can escalate to tooth loss, which is why it is considered the leading cause of tooth loss among adults.
Treating periodontitis involves good dental hygiene, professional dental cleaning, and possibly antibiotics, such as tetracycline, doxycycline, or macrolides. Severe cases might require a combination of medications to combat the mix of microbes causing the disease. Smoking significantly increases the risk for periodontitis and can exacerbate the condition leading to more severe outcomes including tooth loss.