Periodontics is the branch of Dentistry that deals with the health of the periodontal and peri-implant tissues -- the gums and bone that support the teeth and implants respectively.
Healthy periodontal tissues, in addition to keeping the teeth in the dental arch, are of particular importance because, according to current studies, periodontitis is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and may be linked to other systemic conditions as well.