P

partial dentures
removable dentures replacing only some of the teeth

pedodontist
a dentist who specializes in the treatment of children's teeth

periodontist
a dentist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease

permanent teeth
the thirty-two (32) adult teeth

pit
a small defect in the tooth enamel, most likely found on the back teeth

plaque
a colorless, odorless, sticky substance containing acids and bacteria that causes tooth decay when not removed regularly by brushing and flossing

porcelain crowns
a porcelain cap covering the crown of the tooth to repair it or change the shape and/or color

porcelain veneers
a thin layer of porcelain adhered to the surface of a tooth to repair or change the color and/or shape

prophylaxis
prevention of or protection against diseases; in dentistry, this is mostly good oral hygiene

prosthodontist
a dentist who specializes in the restoration of teeth, replacement of missing teeth, and maintaining proper occlusion

pontic
a false tooth mounted on a bridge

post
a thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy; provides retention for a "core," which is a buildup of material that replaces the lost tooth structure

post-crown
structure that combines a post-core and a crown

prosthesis
a removable dental device

pulp
the soft inner structure of a tooth consisting of nerves and blood vessels

pulp cap
a cover over a small area of exposed pulp

pulp chamber/canal
the space with the pulp in the root of a tooth

pulpectomy
removal of the pulp in children's teeth

pulpitis
infection of the pulp

pulpotomy
partial removal of the pulp

pyorrhea
gum disease; a pus-forming inflammation of the gums