periodontal

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periodontal (pe-ri-ŏ-don-t'l) adj. denoting or relating to the tissues surrounding the teeth. p. disease disease of the tissues that support and attach the teeth – the gums, periodontal membrane, and alveolar bone: the most common cause of tooth loss in older people. p. membrane (p. ligament) the ligament around a tooth, by which it is attached to the bone.

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