Palate

Hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth

Palliative Treatment

Non invasive relief of irritating conditions

Parasthesia

A partial loss of sensation; may be temporary or permanent

Partial Denture

Removable dental prosthesis (appliance) replacing one or more natural teeth

Pathology

Study of disease

Periapical (PA)

Region at the end of the roots of teeth

Periodontal Surgery

Recontouring or esthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue

Periodontist

Dental specialist treating the gums and supporting soft and hard tissues retaining natural teeth and the surgical placement of dental implants

Pedodontics or Pediatric Dentistry

Dental specialty focusing on treatment of children

Periodontal Chart

Record measuring the depth of gum pockets around the teeth

Permanent Teeth

(Usually) Thirty-two adult teeth in a complete dentition

Pit

A small defect in the tooth enamel; junction of four formative lobes of a developing tooth

Placebo

Inert medication or treatment that produces psychological benefit

Plaque

Soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth; composed of bacteria and food debris due to inadequate dental hygiene

Pontic

Replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance

Porcelain Crown

All porcelain restoration covering the coronal portion of tooth (above the gum line)

Porcelain Fused To Metal (PFM) Crown

Restoration with metal coping (for strength) covered by porcelain (for appearance)

Porcelain Inlay or Onlay

Tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place

Porcelain Veneers

A thin layer of porcelain, fabricated by a laboratory) bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape

Post

Thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy; provides retention for a “coping” that replaces lost tooth structure and retains crown

Post-core

Post and buildup to replace lost tooth structure and retain crown

Post-crown

Single structure that combines post-core and crown

PPO or PDO

Preferred provider (dental) organization which a health care (dental) provider may join, offering fee for service treatment at reduced fees

Prognosis

The anticipated outcome of treatment

Prophylaxis

Cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth decay

Prosthesis

An artificial appliance for the replacement for a body part

Prosthodontist

Dental specialist skilled in restoring or replacing teeth with fixed or removable prosthesis (appliance), maintaining proper occlusion; treats facial deformities with artificial prostheses such as eyes, ears, and noses

Pulp

The nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside a tooth

Pulp Cap

A medicated covering over a small area of exposed pulp tissue

Pulp Chamber

The center or innermost portion of the tooth containing the pulp

Pulpectomy

Complete removal of the pulp (commonly done in children's teeth)

Pulpitis

Inflammation of the pulp; common cause of toothache

Pulpotomy

Partial removal of the pulp tissue

Pyorrhea

Older term for periodontal (gum) disease

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