Definition

Noun: - The branch of dentistry dealing with diseases of the gums and other structures around the teeth: Periodontics is a specialized field of dentistry focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, primarily the gums and jawbone.

Usage

• Periodontics is a distinct dental specialty.
• A dentist who specializes in this field is called a periodontist.
• Treatments in periodontics aim to manage conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis to maintain oral health and prevent tooth loss.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Periodontal: This is the related adjective form, meaning "relating to or affecting the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth."
  • The patient underwent periodontal surgery to treat bone loss around the molars.

Variants and Related Words

• Periodontist (noun): A dentist who specializes in periodontics.
• Periodontology (noun): Another term for periodontics, often used interchangeably in academic and professional contexts.
• Periodontal (adjective): Of or relating to periodontics or the periodontium (the tissues supporting the teeth).

Synonyms

• Periodontology: The study of the supporting structures of the teeth and the diseases that affect them.

Noun

1. the branch of dentistry dealing with diseases of the gums and other structures around the teeth