Glossary of Terms [O-P]

Listed below are terms and definitions to help you better understand dental terminology when visiting Regents Dental Group.

Occlusion
Closure; relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure.

Onlay
A porcelain or resin filling that protects a tooth by covering only the chewing surface. A laboratory or CEREC produced restoration covering one or more cusps of a tooth.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
A dental specialist who manages the diagnosis & surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures; Requires four additional years of training after dental school.

Oral Cavity
The Mouth.

Oral Hygiene
Process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws.

Oral Pathologist
Dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases.

Orthodontics
Dental specialty that treats misalignment of teeth.

Osseous
Boney.

Overbite
Vertical overlap of the front teeth.

Overdenture
Denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants.

Overjet
Horozontal overlap of the front teeth.

Palate
Hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth.

Palliative Treatment
Non invasive relief of irritating conditions.

Parasthesia
A partial loss of sensation; may be temporary or permanent.

Partial Denture
Fixed or removable dental prosthesis (appliance or bridge) replacing one or more natural teeth.

Pathology
Study of disease.

Periapical (PA)
Region at the end of the roots of teeth.

Periodontal Surgery
Recontouring or esthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue.

Periodontist
Dental specialist treating the gums and supporting soft and hard tissues retaining natural teeth and the surgical placement of dental implants.

Pedodontics or Pediatric Dentistry
Dental specialty focusing on treatment of children.

Periodontal Chart
Record measuring the depth of gum pockets around the teeth.

Permanent Teeth
(usually) Thirty-two adult teeth in a complete dentition.

Pit
A small defect in the tooth enamel; junction of four formative lobes of a developing tooth.

Placebo
Inert medication or treatment that produces psychological benefit.

Plaque
Soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth; composed of bacteria and food debris due to inadequate dental hygiene.

Pontic
Replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance.

Porcelain
A ceramic, tooth-colored material that fuses at high temperatures to form an enamel-like substance which is very hard and durable.

Porcelain Crown
All porcelain restoration covering the coronal portion of tooth (above the gum line).

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crown
Restoration with metal coping (for strength) covered by porcelain (for appearance).

Porcelain Inlay or Onlay
Tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place.

Porcelain Veneers
A thin layer of porcelain, fabricated by a laboratory) bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape.

Post
Thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy; provides retention for a "coping" that replaces lost tooth structure and retains crown.

Post-Core
Post and buildup to replace lost tooth structure and retain crown.

Post-Crown
Single structure that combines post-core and crown.

Posterior-Bonded Composite Resin
A special tooth-colored filling material just for back teeth.

PPO or PDO
Preferred Provider (Dental) Organization which a health care (dental) provider may join, offering fee for service treatment at reduced fees.

Prognosis
The anticipated outcome of treatment.

Prophylaxis
Cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Prosthesis
An artificial appliance for the replacement for a body part.

Prosthodontist
Dental specialist skilled in restoring or replacing teeth with fixed or removable prosthesis (appliance), maintaining proper occlusion; treats facial deformities with artificial prostheses such as eyes, ears, and noses.

Pulp
The nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside a tooth.

Pulp Cap
A medicated covering over a small area of exposed pulp tissue.

Pulp Chamber
The center or innermost portion of the tooth containing the pulp.

Pulpectomy
Complete removal of the pulp (commonly done in children's teeth).

Pulpitis
Inflammation of the pulp; common cause of toothache.

Pulpotomy
Partial removal of the pulp tissue.

Pyorrhea
Older term for periodontal (gum) disease.