In moderate periodontitis, what is typically observed?

• A. Severe bone loss and tooth mobility
• B. Gingival swelling and bleeding
• C. Absence of inflammation
• D. Stable attachment levels

Answer: (A)

In moderate periodontitis, severe bone loss and tooth mobility are indeed typically observed. This stage of periodontal disease is characterized by the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone and connective tissues. As the disease progresses, there is a noticeable loss of alveolar bone around teeth, which can lead to increased tooth mobility. This stage reflects a significant level of attachment loss, which is indicative of more advanced disease compared to earlier stages.

Factors like gingival swelling and bleeding may also be present, but they are not the defining characteristics that distinguish moderate periodontitis from less severe forms. The absence of inflammation and stable attachment levels would not align with the diagnosis of moderate periodontitis, as inflammation is a hallmark of active periodontal disease and attachment levels are typically not stable in this condition. Thus, the presence of severe bone loss and mobility is a key indicator of moderate periodontitis.