Periodontics is the medical-surgical dentistry specialty which studies the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions which affect the tissues which support the dental organs, the periodontium and the replacement implanted, for the maintenance of good health, function and the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and their adjoining tissues.

Periodontology is the contemporary specialty which arises from periodontics to support the study of the scientific evidence on the state of the healthy and diseased periodontium.

The principal periodontal diseases which affect teeth are periodontitis and gingivitis.

Nowadays, with the advent of implant dentistry, periodontics is also charged with the prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases such as peri-implantitis.

Periodontal disease manifests as gingivitis (inflammation and bleeding of the gums without affecting the bone) or periodontitis, where the bone supporting the tooth is destroyed. If it is not treated in time it can lead to the loss of teeth.

Periodontal treatment consists in the correction of the hygiene technique for the control of bacterial plaque until the elimination of factors leading to same has been achieved (dental calculus or tartar and periodontal sacs).