The treatment of periodontal disease is, at the present time, the focus of a large percentage of all dental malpractice cases. Consequently, dentists may find it helpful to be aware of the somewhat unique nature of litigation arising out of professional services provided with respect to periodontal disease. The operation of the statute of limitations in this context, whereby a dentist--at least in many states--can be sued several years after treatment of a patient terminates, makes caution, in terms of the maintenance of records and the purchase of insurance, an absolute essential.