What is a characteristic feature of the established lesion stage of gingivitis?

In the established lesion stage of gingivitis, a significant characteristic feature is the predominance of plasma cells. This stage typically occurs a few weeks after the initial stages of gingivitis and is marked by a transition in the immune response as the body adapts to prolonged bacterial accumulation in the gingival tissues.

During this established phase, the body continues to respond to the persistent inflammatory stimulus from the dental biofilm. Plasma cells, which are derived from B lymphocytes, are crucial as they produce antibodies that help combat the bacteria present in the gingival area. The presence of plasma cells indicates a shift from the acute inflammatory response characterized by neutrophils to a more chronic response, where antibody production becomes prominent.

As inflammation progresses in gingivitis, other immune cells may also be present, but the defining feature at this stage is the overwhelming presence of plasma cells, indicating a specific immune response aimed at dealing with ongoing tissue challenges. Understanding this characteristic helps in recognizing the severity and the chronicity of gingival disease as it evolves.