Periodontics

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry which deals with periodontitis or gum disease. Periodontal disease used to be called pyorrhea. It is a slowly progressing disease which results in the loss of all teeth if not treated. Periodontal disease is the chief cause of tooth loss after age 30. Often patients are surprised to learn at a routine dental exam that they have periodontal disease.

The photo below appears to be of healty gums and teeth but your cursor will reveal how an x-ray can determine that serious bone loss has occured from periodontal disease.