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,” a 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 a 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