Main Entry: peri·odon·ti·tis

Pronunciation: \ˌper-ē-(ˌ)ō-ˌdän-ˈtīt-əs\

Function: noun

: inflammation of the periodontium and especially chronic inflammation that typically follows untreated gingivitis and that results in progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament, formation of pockets around the teeth, and resorption of alveolar bone chiefly in a horizontal direction with loosening or loss of teeth—called also pericementitis