palate

Hard and soft tissues that form the roof of the mouth, separating the oral and nasal cavities.

palatal expander

Orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw.

palliative treatment

Treatment for the purpose of pain relief only.

panoramic radiograph (x-ray)

Radiograph that includes the full upper and lower teeth and jaws as a single flattened image, used for diagnostic purposes.

partial denture

Prosthetic device that is used to replace one or more missing teeth, but not the full upper or lower set, may be fixed or removable, also known as a bridge.

pediatric dentist

Dental specialist focusing on the dental treatment of infants, children, and adolescents.

pediatric dentistry

Dental specialty that focuses on preventive care and treatment for infants, children, and adolescents, includes care for special needs patients.

periapical (PA)

Area at the end of a tooth root.

pericoronal

Area around the crown of a tooth.

peri-implantitis

Inflammation of the tissue surrounding a dental implant.

periodontal

Refers to the tissues that surround and support the teeth.

periodontal disease

Includes gingivitis and periodontitis, inflammation of the periodontal tissues, may include the development of periodontal pockets, bone loss, and tooth loss, can be treated but not cured.

periodontal surgery

Surgery to treat diseased gum tissue in the mouth.

periodontal pocket

A feature of periodontal disease, pocket-like deformity in the gums at the toothline.

periodontics

Dental specialty focusing on placement of dental implants and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the tissues that surround and support the teeth.

periodontist

Dental specialist who focuses on placement of dental implants and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the tissues that surround and support the teeth.

periodontitis

Inflammation of the periodontal tissues, may include the development of periodontal pockets, bone loss, and tooth loss, can be treated but not cured.

permanent teeth

The second and final set of teeth, also known as adult teeth, usually 32 in total.

plaque

Soft, sticky substance that can accumulate on teeth, generally made up of food debris and bacteria.

pontic

Prosthetic tooth, part of a partial denture/bridge.

post

Thin rod that may be inserted into tooth root following root canal treatment, provides support for the tooth structure.

preventive dentistry

Aspect of dentistry that focuses on promotion of good oral hygiene habits to protect oral health and reduce or prevent development of oral health issues.

prophylaxis

Professional cleaning to remove plaque, calculus, surface stains from tooth structures, helps to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease.

prosthodontics

Dental specialty focusing on the use of prosthetic tooth replacement and restoration of natural teeth.

prosthodontist

Dental specialist focusing on the use of prosthetic tooth replacement and restoration of natural teeth.

pulp

Connective tissue inside the tooth, contains nerves and blood vessels.

pulp cap

Medicated covering placed over small exposed area of pulp to aid in healing.

pulpectomy

Complete removal of tooth pulp.

pulpitis

Inflammation of pulp tissue, common cause of toothaches.

pulpotomy

Removal of diseased portion of pulp, leaving healthy pulp tissue intact.