Definitions
- Describing the tissues and structures surrounding and supporting the teeth. - Referring to the gums, bone, and ligaments that hold the teeth in place. - Talking about diseases or conditions affecting the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth.
- Describing the area around the tip of the tooth root. - Referring to the tissues and structures surrounding the tooth root. - Talking about diseases or conditions affecting the tissues around the tooth root.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words are used in dentistry to describe structures and conditions related to teeth.
- 2Both words have a prefix 'peri-' which means 'around' or 'surrounding'.
- 3Both words can be used as adjectives to describe dental conditions or structures.
What is the difference?
- 1Location: Periodontal refers to the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, while periapical refers to the area around the tip of the tooth root.
- 2Function: Periodontal structures hold the teeth in place, while periapical structures support the tooth root.
- 3Diseases: Periodontal diseases affect the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth, while periapical diseases affect the tissues around the tooth root.
- 4Treatment: Periodontal treatment involves cleaning and maintaining the gums and supporting structures, while periapical treatment involves addressing issues with the tissues around the tooth root.
- 5Symptoms: Periodontal disease can cause gum inflammation, bleeding, and tooth mobility, while periapical disease can cause tooth sensitivity, pain, and swelling.
Remember this!
Periodontal and periapical are two dental terms used to describe different structures and conditions related to teeth. Periodontal refers to the tissues and structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, while periapical refers to the area around the tip of the tooth root. While both words share similarities, they differ in location, function, diseases, treatment, and symptoms.
