Periodontics is the study of clinical aspects of the supporting structures of the teeth (i.e the periodontium), which includes the gingiva (gums), alveolar bone (jaw), root cementum, and the periodontal ligament. The word comes from the Greek words peri meaning around and odons meaning tooth. Literally taken, it means study of that which is "around the tooth". Periodontium is a medical term for the tissues surrounding teeth. ... The gingivae (sing. ... The alveolar process (processus alveolaris), also referred to as the alveolar bone, is the bone found in the jaws of a mouth containing the socket of teeth. ... Cementum is a specialized bony substance covering the root of a tooth. ... // Headline text The periodontal ligaments are considered part of the periodontium, as they are supporting tissue of a tooth. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Periodontal diseases take on many different forms, but is usually a result of bacterial infection of the gums. Untreated, it often leads to tooth loss and alveolar bone loss. Periodontal disease is the name for bacterial infections of the gums in the mouth. ... Phyla/Divisions Actinobacteria Aquificae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chlamydiae/Verrucomicrobia Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Nitrospirae Omnibacteria Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Bacteria is also the fictional name of a warring nation under Benzino Napaloni as dictator, in the 1940 film The Great Dictator... An infection is the detrimental colonization of a host organism by a foreign species. ... The gingiva, or gums, consist of the tissue surrounding the roots of the teeth and covering the jawbone. ...

A periodontist is a dentist that specialises in treating diseases of the periodontium . A Periodonist aside from being a specialist that treats diseases of the gums and tooth supporting structures has a widely expanded role in modern Dentistry. The two areas where Periodontics has become integral in modern dentistry is in Dental Cosmetics and Implant Dentistry. Due to a periodontists unique knowledge of tissue engineering, soft tissue management and the anatomy of the oral structures including bony topography they are excellent choices for dental Implant surgeons. In Dental Cosmetics Periodontists have the ability to improve soft tissue symmetry, color, tone and the quality of tissue available through a myriad of techniques. X-rays can reveal if a person has cavities Dentistry is the practical application of knowledge of dental science (the science of placement, arrangement, function of teeth) to human beings. ...

Also see: periodontology, periodontitis Periodontology is the branch of dentistry concerned with the health of the tooth supporting structures, ie. ... Periodontal disease is the name for bacterial infections of the gums in the mouth. ...

External links

• American Academy of Periodontology's (AAP) article on Periodontal Disease
• The National Institute of Cranialfacial Research's article on Periodontal Disease
• AAP Directory of Periodontists