The document discusses periodontal disease and its treatment. It defines periodontics as the dental specialty focused on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the periodontal tissues. Periodontal disease is a group of inflammatory conditions that affect the tissues around the teeth. The two main types are gingivitis, a reversible form affecting gum tissue, and periodontitis, an irreversible form affecting the deeper tissues and bone. Risk factors include diabetes, smoking and stress. Treatment involves an etiological phase focused on education and removing plaque and tartar, followed by surgical and maintenance phases.