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 Thirty-two (usually) 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 (P.F.M.) 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.
