Terms P-Q

P

Palate

The roof of the mouth.

Panorex

A type of xray that captures the entire oral cavity and related structures (maxillary sinus, etc.) on one film.  The xray rotates around the head in order to capture the image.

Partial denture

A type of prosthesis that replaces two or more teeth.  It can be removed from the mouth at any time.

Pathology

The study of abnormal tissues in the body.

Perforation

A small opening in a structure.

Pericoronitis

Inflammation associated with a tooth.  Usually associated with a tooth that hasn’t erupted yet.

Periodontist

A type of dentist that treats the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth

Permanent dentition

Refers to the adult teeth.

Plaque

A sticky film that builds up on teeth.  This film contains bacteria and acids and builds up as a result of poor brushing/oral hygiene habits.  If not removed promptly, a cavity will form on the tooth.

Polishing

A dental procedure that removes debris from teeth and makes dental restorations and the teeth smooth and free of defects.

Pontic

A fake in a bridge tooth used to replace a missing tooth.

Porcelain

A tooth colored ceramic used as a restoration.  Can be used on crowns or on veneers.

Post

A pin used to support a severely decayed tooth.  Usually if the tooth needs a buildup, a post will be used to offer extra support and stability.

Posterior

Refers to the back of the mouth or the back teeth (molars and premolars).

Premolars

Also known as bicuspids.  Refers to the two teeth between the canine and the molars.

Prescription

The written direction, from a dentist to the pharmacist, as to the preparation and use of a particular medication.

Primary teeth

Refers to the “baby” or deciduous teeth.  These teeth are shed and replaced by the permanent/adult teeth.

Prophylaxis

A thorough dental cleaning.

Prosthesis

An artificial device used to replace missing teeth and associated structures.

Prosthodontist

A dentist who specializes in replacing missing teeth.

Proximal

Refers to “in between” two adjacent teeth.

Pulp canal

The part of the pulp that is located in the root of the tooth.

Pulp chamber

The part of the pulp that is located in the crown of the tooth.

Pulp horn

The part of the pulp that extends the furthest into the crown of the tooth.

Pulp tissue

The living tissue of the tooth.  Contains nerve tissue and blood supply for the tooth.

Pulpectomy

A dental procedure that removes the entire pulp of a tooth.

Pulpotomy

A dental procedure that removes the top portion of the pulp in a tooth.

Q

Quadrant

Refers to a group of 8 teeth in the mouth.  The mouth has 4 quadrants present: the upper right, the upper left, the lower right, and the lower left.