Palate

The hard and soft tissues forming the roof of the mouth that separates the oral and nasal cavities.

Periodontal

Pertaining to the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth.

Periodontal Disease

Inflammatory process of the gingival tissues and/or periodontal membrane of the teeth, resulting in an abnormally deep gingival sulcus, possibly producing periodontal pockets and loss of supporting alveolar bone.

Periodontist

A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth.

Periodontitis

Inflammation and loss of the connective tissue of the supporting or surrounding structure of teeth with loss of attachment.

Plaque

A soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives.

Post

An elongated projection fitted and cemented within the prepared root canal, serving to strengthen and retain restorative material and/or a crown restoration.

Posterior

The teeth and tissues towards the back of the mouth.

Premedication

The use of medications prior to dental procedures.

Prophylaxis

Scaling and polishing procedure performed to remove coronal plaque, calculus and stains.

Prosthodontics

The restoration of the natural teeth and/or the replacement of missing teeth with artificial substitutes.

Pulp

Connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue which occupies the pulp cavity of a tooth.

Pulp Cavity

The space within a tooth which contains the pulp.