What dental specialty is concerned with the treatment and prevention of diseases affecting the gums and structures supporting the teeth?

The dental specialty that focuses on the treatment and prevention of diseases affecting the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth is periodontics. This field is dedicated to diagnosing, managing, and treating periodontal disease, which includes conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as offering procedures related to the maintenance of gum health. Periodontists also perform surgeries and cosmetic procedures related to the gums.

In contrast, orthodontics deals primarily with diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws, prosthodontics focuses on restoring missing or damaged teeth with artificial devices, and endodontics is concerned with the treatment of the dental pulp and root tissues, primarily through procedures like root canals. Each of these specialties has a unique focus and set of practices, making periodontics distinctly related to gum health and disease management in dentistry.