periodontology
the clinical science that deals with the periodontium in health and disease; that branch of dentistry concerned with the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the supporting structures of the teeth
periodontal ligament
connective tissue fibers that connect the root of the tooth to the alveolus. it contains blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves.
periodontium
a collective term for the tissues that surround and support the teeth, i.e., gingivae, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone
alveolar bone
bone that surrounds the teeth
gingiva
that portion of the masticatory mucosa which is attached to the teeth and alveolar process and surrounds the cervical area of the teeth
cementum
calcified connective tissue that covers the anatomic root of a tooth. it provides attachment for the periodontal ligament
periodontics
the aspect of clinical dentistry involved in the prevention and treatment of diseases of the periodontium.
oral mucosa = alveolar mucosa
loosely attached tissue such as the tissue from the mocuginigal junction to the vestibular eptithelium
periodontal disease
any abnormalities or pathologic state involving the gingiva or supporting tissues of the teeth, commonly used to designate collectively the inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the periodontium