Calcium

Chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves

Calculus

Hard residue, commonly known as “tarter”, that forms on teeth due to inadequate plaque control, often stained yellow or brown

Canker Sore

Mouth sore appearing whitish, often with a red halo, of ten to fourteen day duration

Cantilever Bridge

Fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth only on one end

Cap

Common term for dental crown

Caries

Tooth decay or “cavities”

Cast or Model

Reproduction of structures made by pouring plaster or stone into a mold

Cavitron

Dental tool that uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to clean teeth

Cellulitis

Soft tissue infection causing extensive, hard swelling, a potentially dangerous condition requiring immediate attention

Cementum

Hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth

Chart

Log of dental or medical records

Clasp

Device that retains a removable partial denture to stationary teeth

Cleaning

Removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line

Composite resin

Material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles; usually cured with filtered light or chemical catalyst

Cosmetic (aesthetic) dentistry

Treatments performed to enhance appearance; not a recognized specialty

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

Artificial procedures employed by a rescuer after cessation of breathing or heart stoppage

Cross Bite

Reverse biting relationship of upper and lower teeth; aka "under bite," as in Class III malocclusuion (prognathic jaw)

Crown

(1) The portion of a tooth above the gum line;
(2) Dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth

Curettage

Removal of diseased tissue from a periodontal pocket

Cusp

Mound on posterior teeth

Cuspid or Canine

The four “eye teeth”

Cyst

A soft or hard tissue sac, hard or filled with fluid

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