periodontics

noun

peri·​odon·​tics ˌper-ē-ō-ˈdän-tiks 

plural in form but singular in construction

: a branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the supporting and investing structures of the teeth including the gums, cementum, periodontal membranes, and alveolar bone

periodontist

ˌper-ē-ō-ˈdän-tist 

noun

Word History

Etymology

New Latin periodontium periodontal tissue, from peri- + Greek odont-, odous, odōn tooth — more at tooth

First Known Use

circa 1944, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

periodontics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction

peri·​odon·​tics -ˈdänt-iks 

: a branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the supporting and investing structures of the teeth including the gums, cementum, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone

called also periodontia, periodontology