Destructive periodontal disease consists of loss of the supporting tissues of the teeth and can lead to tooth mobility, tooth migration,
and eventual tooth loss. Enjoyments in life such as eating; relaxing;
going out; and being free of pain, discomfort, and self-consciousness are adversely affected by destructive periodontal disease in 20% of periodontal patients seeking specialist care.1 In the United States, the prevalence of destructive periodontal disease decreased from 7% in 1988 to 4% in 1999 and 2000.2 In 1999, about $14 billion was spent on treating and preventing destructive periodontal disease.3