CAD/CAM

Computer -Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing.

calcium

Mineral necessary to the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones.

calculus

Commonly called “tartar,” hard substance that forms on teeth due to insufficient plaque control, may be stained brown or yellow.

canker sore

Whitish mouth sore, usually lasts 10-14 days, may have red “halo”.

cantilever bridge

Dental bridge that only attaches to teeth on one side.

cap

Commonly used term for dental crown.

caries

Common term for tooth decay or “cavities”.

cast/model

3D reproduction used by filling an impression or mold with plaster and allowing it to dry.

CAT scan

Computerized Axial Tomography scan, used to determine size, shape, and placement of bone, usually used for implant placement planning.

cavity

Missing tooth structure caused by decay, abrasion, or erosion.

Cavitron

Dental tool used in cleaning teeth, uses high-frequency ultrasonic waves.

cellulitis

Potentially dangerous infection of the soft tissue, characterized by extensive hard swelling.

cementum

Hard tissue that covers the outer surface of a tooth root.

cephalometric imaging

X-ray scan of the head that shows the relative positioning of the face, teeth, and jaws.

clasp

Acrylic or metal portion of a partial denture that hooks to natural teeth.

cleaning/prophylaxis

The removal of plaque and calculus from the teeth above the gumline.

cleft palate

Congenital deformity that is characterized by a partial or complete lack of fusion of soft and/or hard palate.

coil spring

Spring used between brackets and archwire to open or close space between teeth.

complete denture

Set of prosthetic teeth that are used to replace all upper or lower teeth.

composite resin

Tooth colored material composed of plastic with small particles of ceramic or glass, generally cured with a chemical catalyst or filtered light.

coronal

Referencing the crown of a tooth.

cosmetic dentistry

Dental services used to improve appearance, rather than health or function.

cross bite

Lower teeth lie in front of upper teeth when teeth are closed.

crown

May refer to the visible tooth above the gumline or to a prosthetic dental restoration that replaces part or all of a natural tooth.

crown lengthening

Surgical manipulation of gum tissue to expose more tooth structure, often used in conjunction with other treatment.

curettage

The removal of infected tissues from periodontal pocket or bone, often in conjunction with scaling and root planing (deep cleaning).

cusp

Pointed or rounded mound on or near the chewing surface of a tooth.

cuspid

Tooth located between incisors and bicuspids, also known as “eye tooth” or “canine”.

cyst

Sac of tissue, usually hard or filled with fluid.