Questions

Based on the provided clinical findings, the state of this patient's periodontium would most likely be classified as gingivitis. Here's the breakdown:

• Swollen gingival margin: The gingiva is swollen and covers the gingival third of the tooth crowns, which is a common sign of gingivitis, where inflammation causes tissue swelling.

• Marginal redness with slight bleeding on probing: Redness and bleeding on probing are indicative of inflammation, which is characteristic of gingivitis. The tissue has not yet progressed to periodontitis, where deeper tissue involvement and bone loss would be observed.

• Probing depths ranging from 1 to 4 mm: Probing depths between 1 and 4 mm can still be considered within the normal range for gingivitis, as long as there is no attachment loss or bone loss.

• No bone loss present: The absence of bone loss is a key feature in distinguishing gingivitis from periodontitis. Gingivitis does not involve bone loss, which would be characteristic of periodontitis.

Thus, the patient's periodontium would be classified as gingivitis with no evidence of periodontitis at this time.