Definition

The branch of dentistry that deals with the structures supporting the teeth, including gums and bone.

Example

She decided to specialize in periodontology to help patients with gum diseases.

Conversation

I just learned about periodontology in my dental class.

Oh really? What’s that all about?

It's the study of the structures that support teeth and their diseases.

That sounds interesting! I didn’t know there was a specific field for that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Periodontology → It is formed from "peri-" (meaning around) and "odous" (from Greek "odous", meaning tooth) and "-logy" (meaning study of). The word refers to the study of the structures surrounding the teeth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'peri-' meaning 'around' and 'odous' meaning 'tooth' — this helps you remember that periodontology is the study of what surrounds the teeth.

Visually Confused Words