periodontics

1 8.4

Part of dentistry that treats gums and parts that hold teeth

noun
/ˌpɪəriəˈdɒntɪks/

Specialized

: periodoncia

Have you heard about periodontics?

Examples

My dentist specializes in periodontics.
The dental college offers a postgraduate program in periodontics.
Advancements in periodontics have greatly improved methods for treating gum disease.
After years of gum problems, she was referred to a periodontics specialist for advanced treatment.
The patient consulted a specialist in periodontics to address his gum disease.
She studied periodontics to learn how to treat issues affecting the gums.
Advancements in periodontics have significantly improved the health of many patients' gums.

Synonyms

periodontology

vsperiodontics

Specialized

1 8.5

The study and treatment of the gums and parts around the teeth that hold them in place

is focused on clinical diagnosis and treatment rather than study

periodontia

vsperiodontics

Specialized

9.9

A part of dentistry that treats the gums and the bone around teeth

is more clinical and focuses on diagnosing and treating those conditions

Surface Forms

periodontics singular

periodontics plural

Morphology

periodontics = periodontic (semi-transparent) = peri + odont + ic + s

Formed from Greek combining forms peri- (around) + odont- (tooth) with adjectival -ic and noun-forming -s; the literal structure is regular but relies on medical morphemes unfamiliar to most learners.

Etymology

The word periodontics breaks into peri- 'around', as in perimeter, and odont- 'tooth'. So periodontics is the part of dentistry that cares for the area 'around the tooth', like the gums and the parts that hold your teeth.