periodontology

1 8.5

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

noun
/ˌpɪəriəˈdɒntələdʒi/

Specialized

: periodoncia

The study of periodontology is essential for dental health.
Academy of Periodontology
Journal of Periodontology
American Academy of Periodontology

Examples

Advancements in periodontology have significantly improved treatment options for patients with gum diseases.
After years of study, she became an expert in periodontology and helped many patients with gum disease.
Advances in periodontology have greatly improved treatments for supporting tissues of the teeth.
He attended a conference on periodontology to learn about the latest research in gum health.
Dr. Smith specializes in periodontology.
The American Academy of periodontology provides resources for patients to learn about gum health.
After noticing some signs of gum disease, she scheduled an appointment with a specialist in periodontology.

Synonyms

periodontics

vsperiodontology

Specialized

1 8.4

Part of dentistry that treats gums and parts that hold teeth

combines formal study with treatment rather than only clinical diagnosis

periodontia

vsperiodontology

Specialized

9.9

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

emphasizes scientific study plus treatment instead of only describing conditions

Surface Forms

periodontology singular

periodontologies plural

Morphology

periodontology = peri + odont + ology

Although the word is morphologically built from Greek combining forms, average B1 learners are unlikely to know the bound root 'odont' or infer the specialized dental meaning from the parts.

Etymology

Periodontology breaks into three parts: peri- 'around', odont 'tooth', and -ology 'study', as in dentist and biology. So periodontology literally means the 'study of what is around the tooth', which is why it is the part of dentistry that cares for the gums and the tissues that support the teeth.