Periodontics is the study of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease), its effects and treatment. The word comes from the Latin word peri meaning around and the Greek word odous meaning tooth. Literally taken, it means study of that which is “around the tooth”. Periodontology is one of the eight dental specialties recognized by the DENTAL COUNCIL OF INDIA. It is an entire branch of dentistry dedicated to studying the soft tissues and bone supporting the teeth, researching new techniques for treating periodontal diseases, and replacing teeth lost to periodontal disease with dental implants.
Periodontists are dental specialists who are experts in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. After periodontists complete dental college, they continue their education for 3 more years to obtain a postdoctoral certificate in periodontics and limit their practices to this specialty.