periodontics
noun
peri·odon·tics ˌper-ē-ō-ˈdän-tiks 
plural in form but singular in construction
: a branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the supporting and investing structures of the teeth including the gums, cementum, periodontal membranes, and alveolar bone
periodontist
ˌper-ē-ō-ˈdän-tist
noun 
Word History
Etymology
New Latin periodontium periodontal tissue, from peri- + Greek odont-, odous, odōn tooth — more at tooth
First Known Use
circa 1944, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
periodontics
noun, plural in form but singular in construction
peri·odon·tics -ˈdänt-iks
: a branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the supporting and investing structures of the teeth including the gums, cementum, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone
called also periodontia, periodontology