Palate – hard and soft tissues that form the roof of the mouth, separating the oral and nasal cavities

Palatal Expander – orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw

Palliative Treatment – treatment for the purpose of pain relief only

Panoramic Radiograph (x-ray) – radiograph that includes the full upper and lower teeth and jaws as a single flattened image, used for diagnostic purposes

Partial Denture – prosthetic device that is used to replace one or more missing teeth, but not the full upper or lower set, may be fixed or removable, also known as a bridge

Pediatric Dentist – dental specialist focusing on the dental treatment of infants, children, and adolescents

Pediatric Dentistry – dental specialty that focuses on preventive care and treatment for infants, children, and adolescents, including care for special needs patients

Periapical (PA) – area at the end of a tooth root

Pericoronal – area around the crown of a tooth

Peri-Implantitis – inflammation of the tissue surrounding a dental implant

Periodontal – refers to the tissues that surround and support the teeth

Periodontal Disease – includes gingivitis and periodontitis, inflammation of the periodontal tissues, may include the development of periodontal pockets, bone loss, and tooth loss can be treated but not cured

Periodontal Surgery – surgery to treat diseased gum tissue in the mouth

Periodontal Pocket – a feature of periodontal disease, pocket-like deformity in the gums at the tooth line

Periodontics – dental specialty focusing on placement of dental implants and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the tissues that surround and support the teeth

Periodontist – dental specialist who focuses on placement of dental implants and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the tissues that surround and support the teeth

Periodontitis – inflammation of the periodontal tissues, may include the development of periodontal pockets, bone loss, and tooth loss, can be treated but not cured

Permanent Teeth – the second and final set of teeth, also known as adult teeth, usually 32 in total

Plaque – soft, sticky substance that can accumulate on teeth, generally made up of food debris and bacteria

Pontic – prosthetic tooth, part of a partial denture/bridge

Post – thin rod that may be inserted into tooth root following root canal treatment, provides support for the tooth structure

Preventive Dentistry – aspect of dentistry that focuses on the promotion of good oral hygiene habits to protect oral health and reduce or prevent the development of oral health issues

Prophylaxis – professional cleaning to remove plaque, calculus, and surface stains from tooth structures, helps to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease

Prosthodontics – dental specialty focusing on the use of prosthetic tooth replacement and restoration of natural teeth

Prosthodontist – dental specialist focusing on the use of prosthetic tooth replacement and restoration of natural teeth

Pulp – connective tissue inside the tooth, contains nerves and blood vessels

Pulp Cap – medicated covering placed over the small exposed area of pulp to aid in healing

Pulpectomy – complete removal of tooth pulp

Pulpitis – inflammation of pulp tissue, a common cause of toothaches

Pulpotomy – removal of diseased portion of the pulp, leaving healthy pulp tissue intact