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Dentist The Colony, TX
CAD/CAM - Computer -Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing
calcium - mineral necessary to the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones
calculus - commonly called “tartar,” hard substance that forms on teeth due to insufficient plaque control, may be stained brown or yellow
canker sore - whitish mouth sore, usually lasts 10-14 days, may have red “halo”
cantilever bridge - dental bridge that only attaches to teeth on one side
cap - commonly used term for dental crown
caries - common term for tooth decay or “cavities”
cast/model - 3D reproduction used by filling an impression or mold with plaster and allowing it to dry
CAT scan - Computerized Axial Tomography scan, used to determine size, shape, and placement of bone, usually used for implant placement planning
cavity - missing tooth structure caused by decay, abrasion, or erosion
Cavitron - dental tool used in cleaning teeth, uses high-frequency ultrasonic waves
cellulitis - potentially dangerous infection of the soft tissue, characterized by extensive hard swelling
cementum - hard tissue that covers the outer surface of a tooth root
cephalometric imaging - x-ray scan of the head that shows the relative positioning of the face, teeth, and jaws
clasp - acrylic or metal portion of a partial denture that hooks to natural teeth
cleaning/prophylaxis - the removal of plaque and calculus from the teeth above the gumline
cleft palate - congenital deformity that is characterized by a partial or complete lack of fusion of soft and/or hard palate
coil spring - spring used between brackets and archwire to open or close space between teeth
complete denture - set of prosthetic teeth that are used to replace all upper or lower teeth
composite resin - tooth colored material composed of plastic with small particles of ceramic or glass, generally cured with a chemical catalyst or filtered light
coronal - referencing the crown of a tooth
cosmetic dentistry - dental services used to improve appearance, rather than health or function
cross bite - lower teeth lie in front of upper teeth when teeth are closed
crown - may refer to the visible tooth above the gumline or to a prosthetic dental restoration that replaces part or all of a natural tooth
crown lengthening - surgical manipulation of gum tissue to expose more tooth structure, often used in conjunction with other treatment
curettage - the removal of infected tissues from periodontal pocket or bone, often in conjunction with scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
cusp - pointed or rounded mound on or near the chewing surface of a tooth
cuspid - tooth located between incisors and bicuspids, also known as “eye tooth” or “canine”
cyst - sac of tissue, usually hard or filled with fluid
