Glossary of Dental Terms C

Calcium:
chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves

Calculus:
hard residue, commonly known as "tarter," that forms on teeth due to inadequate
plaque control, often stained yellow or brown

Canker sore:
mouth sore appearing whitish, often with a red halo, of ten to fourteen day duration

Cantilever bridge:
fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth only on one end

Cap:
common term for dental crown

Caries:
tooth decay or "cavities"

Cast or Model:
reproduction of structures made by pouring plaster or stone into a mold

Cavitron:
dental tool that uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to clean teeth

Cellulitis:
soft tissue infection causing extensive, hard swelling, a potentially dangerous condition requiring immediate attention

Cementum:
hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth

Chart:
log of dental or medical records

Clasp:
device that retains a removable partial denture to stationary teeth

Cleaning:
removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line

Composite resin:
material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles; usually cured with filtered light or chemical catalyst

Cosmetic (aesthetic) dentistry:
treatments performed to enhance appearance; not a recognized specialty

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation):
Artificial procedures employed by a rescuer after cessation of breathing or heart stoppage

Cross bite:
reverse biting relationship of upper and lower teeth; aka "under bite," as in Class III malocclusuion (prognathic jaw)

Crown:
(1) the portion of a tooth above the gum line;
(2) dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth

Curettage:
removal of diseased tissue from a periodintal pocket

Cusp:
mound on posterior teeth

Cuspid or Canine:
the four "eye teeth"

Cyst:
a soft or hard tissue sac, hard or filled with fluid