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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
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