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:
Removable dental prosthesis (appliance) 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 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.

PPO or PDO:
Oreferred 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.

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