Advanced periodontal disease marks the later stages of periodontal disease. This disease affects the supporting tissue around the tooth and can be so severe that the teeth loosen and fall out. Tooth decay can lead to the destruction and eventual loss of teeth, but this can be more severe. The teeth are seated in sockets in the bones of the upper and lower jaws in alveolar bone, (alveolar means hollow).mycontentbreak The bone does not hold the teeth in place; rather, the teeth are stabilized by connective tissue called periodontal ligaments that extend between tooth roots and sockets. The part of the tooth next to the sulcus is extremely difficult to keep free of bacterial plaque, and if not removed constantly, or left undisturbed for a few days, will form tartar-a rough, hard material that adheres to teeth. Plaque and tartar build-up constitute the primary cause of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease begins with mild gum inflammation and becomes more severe over time. Its progression can be divided into four stages. The third stage will see erosion of the gum, pockets will deepen, and more potent forms of bacteria develop. The periodontal ligament and alveolar bone become inflamed. In the fourth stage, there is so much ligament and bone loss that the tooth, no longer stable, will loosen in its socket. Bone loss magnifies pressure from chewing, making the tooth progressively looser. As the tooth looses its support it will fall out or require extraction.