Simply click on the letter above to get the definition of dental terms or use the search
tool above to enter a word.
| Palate |
The general term that refers to the roof of the mouth |
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| Palliative Treatment |
Non invasive relief of irritating conditions |
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| Panorex |
A single full mouth x-ray |
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| Partial Denture |
A removable appliance (prosthesis) that replaces some of the
teeth in either the upper or lower jaw |
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| Pathology |
Study of disease |
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| Periapical (PA) |
Region at the end of the roots of teeth |
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| Pediatric Dentistry |
Dental specialty focusing on treatment of children’s teeth |
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| Periodontal Disease |
The general term for the inflammation or disease affecting the gums |
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| Periodontal Surgery |
Recontouring or esthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue |
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| Periodontics |
The treatment of diseases of the gum or bone (supporting structure) |
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| Periodontist |
A dentist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease |
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| Periodontal Chart |
Record measuring the depth of gum pockets around the teeth |
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| Permanent Teeth |
(Usually) thirty-two adult teeth in a complete dentition |
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| Pit |
A small defect in the tooth enamel |
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| Plaque |
A sticky substance that forms on the surface of the teeth
and harbors bacteria growth and acid formation beneath its surface, causing tooth
decay. Plaque buildup can irritate the gums and cause periodontal disease |
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| Pontic |
Replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance |
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| Porcelain Crown |
All porcelain restoration covering the portion of tooth
above the gum line |
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| Porcelain
Fused to Metal PRM) Crown |
Restoration with metal coping (for strength) covered by porcelain
(for appearance) |
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| Porcelain Inlay or Onlay |
Tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place |
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| Porcelain Veneers |
A thin layer of porcelain bonded to a natural tooth to replace
lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape |
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| Post |
Thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth
after root canal therapy; provided retention for a "coping" that
replaces lost tooth structure and retains crown |
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| PPO or PDO |
Preferred provider (dental) organization which
a health care (dental) provider may join, offering Fee-for-Service treatment at
reduced fees |
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| Preventive Services |
Dental procedures concerned with the prevention of dental
diseases by protective and educational measures. May include exam, cleanings, x-rays and fluoride |
| Prophylaxis |
The professional cleaning and removal of plaque,
stains, and calculus on the teeth |
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| Prophy Jet |
Air polishing for stain removal |
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| Prosthodontics |
The restoration of natural teeth and replacement
of missing or lost teeth. Common procedures are crowns, bridges, dentures,
and dental implants |
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| Prosthodontist |
A dentist that specializes in the restoration of
natural teeth and replacement of teeth. Expertise includes, but is not
limited to: crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint
problems, and oral cancer reconstruction |
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| Pulp |
The nerves, blood vessels and connective
tissue inside a tooth. (See Illustration) |
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| Pulp Chamber |
The opening in the center of the crown of a tooth
which contains the pulp (nerve tissue) and stretches to the tip of the root |
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| Pulpectomy |
Complete removal of the pulp (commonly done in children’s teeth) |
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| Quadrant |
One fourth of the mouth or half of the bottom
or top section of the mouth |
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| Radiograph |
An image produced on photographic film by radiation,
such as x-rays passed through an object. Commonly referred to as x-rays. |
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| Reimplantation |
Insertion and temporary fixation of partially or completely
dislodged tooth or teeth, resulting from traumatic injury |
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| Reline |
Acrylic restoration of denture base |
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| Restoration |
Replacement of portion of a damaged tooth |
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| Retained Root |
Partial root structure remaining in jaw after extraction or
fracture of a natural tooth |
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| Retainer |
An appliance for maintaining the positions of
the teeth and jaws immediately after the completion of orthodontic treatment |
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| Root |
Tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw |
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| Root Canal |
A procedure used to save an abscessed tooth in
which the pulp chamber if cleaned out, disinfected, and filled with a permanent
filling |
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| Root Planing |
Deep cleaning of the teeth to remove hardened
plaque below the gumline. This periodontal procedure is usually performed one
quadrant at a time |
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| Root Resection |
Removal of a portion of diseased root structure,
retaining the remaining natural tooth |
| Tartar |
Calcified plaque that forms from mineral salts
in the saliva and deposits on the teeth |
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| TMD Temporomandibular Disorders |
Problems associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which
connects the lower jaw with the skull. Typically associated with
pops and pain in the joint |
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| Third-Party Provider |
Insurance company that pays all or a part of the cost
of dental treatment |
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| Tooth Whitening |
A chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth |
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| UCR |
Usual, customary and reasonable fees |
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| Ultrasonic Cleaning |
Cleaning that uses high frequency sound waves to
gently remove deposits, such as tartar and stain, from the teeth |
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| Unerupted Tooth |
A tooth that has not pushed through the gum |
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| Veneers |
Plastic or porcelain facing which is bonded
directly to a tooth to improve its appearance, producing a very
natural appearance |
