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At Cornerstone Dentistry, we understand that dental jargon can be confusing, leaving patients feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their oral health. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive dental glossary tailored just for you. Our commitment to patient care goes beyond your dental chair experience; we want you to be well-informed and empowered when it comes to your oral health.

With our user-friendly glossary, you can easily access explanations of dental terms, procedures, and treatments, helping you make informed decisions about your dental care. Take charge of your oral health with Cornerstone Dentistry’s Dental Glossary. Explore it today!

Dental Terms That Start With P

Here are 13 common dental terms that start with the letter P, explained in plain English by the team at Cornerstone Dentistry in Anderson.

1. Palliative Treatment: Care that relieves pain or discomfort, such as a sedative filling, without fully fixing the underlying problem yet.
2. Panoramic X-Ray: A single X-ray that shows all the teeth, both jaws and the jaw joints in one image.
3. Partial Denture: A removable appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth and clips onto your natural teeth.
4. Pericoronitis: Swollen, infected gum tissue around a partly erupted tooth, most often a lower wisdom tooth. See wisdom teeth removal.
5. Periodontal: Relating to the gums and the bone and ligaments that support the teeth.
6. Periodontitis: Advanced gum disease that damages the bone supporting the teeth and can lead to tooth loss. See periodontal treatment.
7. Plaque: A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth daily and causes cavities and gum disease. Brushing and cleaning between teeth remove it; see these flossing alternatives.
8. Porcelain Veneers: Thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. See cosmetic dentistry.
9. Premolar: The teeth between the canines and the molars, also called bicuspids, used for tearing and crushing food.
10. Prophylaxis (Prophy): A professional teeth cleaning that removes plaque and tartar. See teeth cleaning.
11. Prosthodontics: The dental specialty focused on replacing and restoring teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures and implants.
12. Pulp: The soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.
13. Pulpitis: Inflammation of the pulp, often from deep decay or injury. Severe cases usually need a root canal.

Have a question about a term you don’t see here? Ask us at your next visit.