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Riggs' disease

Pyorrhea of a toothsocket is called Riggs' disease after American dentist John M. Riggs (1810-1885). It is a purulent inflammation of the dental periosteum.

Riggs' disease produces the progressive necrosis of the alveoli and looseness of the teeth. The teeth may become very loose and fall out of the sockets.

Riggs' disease is also called gingivitis expulsiva.