Periodontitis is inflammatory diseases affecting the periodontium - that is, the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis involves progressive loss of the bone around the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to the loosening and cause loss of teeth. Periodontitis is caused by microorganisms that attach and grow on the tooth's surfaces .A diagnosis of periodontitis is established by inspecting the soft gum tissues around the teeth with a probe (i.e. a clinical exam) and by evaluating the patient's x-ray films (i.e a radiographic exam), to determine the amount of bone loss around the teeth.