Dental glossary — terms beginning with P

Palate, the roof of the mouth.

Periodontal, situated beside or around the tooth.

Periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting structures. It is caused by bacteria that collect between tooth and gum. If these are not removed by brushing or flossing, the substance (plaque) forms a hard, knobbly deposit on the teeth: calculus. Over time the gum reddens, swells and becomes prone to bleeding. Left untreated, the inflammation can destroy the fibres connecting the teeth to the jawbone and go on to cause bone loss. Without fibres and bone the teeth begin to loosen and may be lost. Special treatment is needed to stop this process. curettage

Periodontology, the study of diseases of the tooth-supporting structures.

Periodontosis, a non-inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting structures. In its slow course the tooth roots gradually become visible and the neck of the tooth becomes sensitive to touch and temperature. Causes: a disturbed bite, poor fillings, calculus, ill-fitting restorations, disturbances in the vitamin and hormone balance, and metabolic disorders.

Plaque, bacterial deposit on the teeth.

Prognosis, the prediction and assessment of the likely course of an illness.

Denture, in dentistry: a replacement for lost teeth. dental prosthesis

Prosthetics, the restoration of the dentition by replacement. A collective term for the ways of restoring a complete row of teeth, and so the ability to chew, by means of artificial crowns, bridges or a removable denture. dental prosthesis

Premolars, the front back teeth teeth

Pulp, the tooth pulp, which completely fills the inside of the tooth. teeth