Calculus: The hard deposit of mineralized plaque that forms on the crown and/or root of the tooth. Also referred to as tartar.
Gingiva: The soft tissue that covers the jawbone. Also referred to as the gums.
Gingivectomy: The surgical removal of gingiva (gum).
Gingivitis: An inflammation or infection of the gingiva (gum tissue); the initial stage of periodontal disease.
Gingivoplasty: A surgical procedure to reshape or repair the gingiva (gum).
Graft: A piece of gum tissue or synthetic material placed in contact with tissue to repair a defect or supplement a deficiency.
Gum: See gingiva.
Periodontal: Relating to the tissue and bone that supports the tooth (from peri, meaning "around," and odont, "tooth").
Periodontal disease: The inflammation and infection of gums, ligaments, bone, and other tissues surrounding the teeth. Gingivitis (gums) and periodontitis (gums and bone) are the two main forms of periodontal disease. Also called gum disease or pyorrhea.
Periodontal pocket: An abnormal deepening of the gum crevice. It is caused when disease and infection destroy the ligament that attaches the gum to the tooth and the underlying bone.
Periodontics: The dental specialty that deals with and treats the gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth.
Periodontist: Dental specialist with expertise in surgically treating the effects of periodontal disease.
Periodontitis: Inflammation of the supporting structures of the tooth, including the gum, the periodontal ligament, and the jawbone.
Plaque: A film of sticky material containing saliva, food particles, and bacteria that attaches to the tooth surface both above and below the gum line. When left on the tooth it can promote gum disease and tooth decay.
