Glossary
Our glossary features any dental term you need to know, from A to Z. Still confused about something? Give us a call — we’re happy to help.
- Periodontal PocketPathologically deepened gingival sulcus; a feature of periodontal disease.
- PeriodonticsPeriodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues.
- PeriodontistA dental specialist whose practice is limited to the treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth.
- PeriodontitisInflammation and loss of the connective tissue of the supporting or surrounding structure of teeth with loss of attachment.
- Periodontium tissue complex comprising gingival, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone which attaches, nourishes and supports the tooth.
- PeriradicularSurrounding a portion of the root of the tooth.
- Permanent DentitionRefers to the permanent or adult teeth in the dental arch.
- Permanent Dentition (adult Dentition)Refers to the permanent teeth in the dental arch.
- PinA small metal rod, cemented or driven into dentin to aid in retention of a restoration.
- PlaqueA soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives.
- Point Of ServiceA health plan allowing the member to choose to receive a service from a participating or non-participating provider, usually with different benefits levels associated with the use of participating providers.
- PonticThe term used for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture (bridge).
- Porcelain/CermaicRefers to pressed, fired, polished or milled materials containing predominantly inorganic refractory compounds including porcelains, glasses, ceramics and glass-ceramics.
- PostRod-like component designed to be inserted into a prepared root canal space so as to provide structural support. This device can either be in the form of an alloy, carbon fiber or fiberglass, and posts are usually secured with appropriate luting agents.
- Posterior Refers to teeth and tissues towards the back of the mouth (distal to the canines); maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars. The designation of permanent posterior teeth in the Universal/National tooth numbering system include teeth 1 through 5 and 12 through 16 (maxillary), and 17(...)
- PreauthorizationStatement by a third-party payer indicating that proposed treatment will be covered under the terms of the benefit contract. See also precertification, predetermination.
- PrecertificationConfirmation by a third-party payer of a patient's eligibility for coverage under a dental benefit program. See preauthorization, predetermination.
- Precision Attachment Interlocking device, having a male component integrated into a removable prosthesis that fits precisely into a female component embedded in the body of abutment teeth or implant abutments, to stabilize or retain the prosthesis when it is seated in the mouth.
- PredeterminationA process where a dentist submits a treatment plan to the payer before treatment begins. The payer reviews the treatment plan and notifies the dentist and patient of one or more of the following: patient's eligibility, covered services, amounts payable, co-payment and deductibles and plan maximums.
- Predominantly Base AlloysNoble Metal Content) < 25% (gold + platinum group*). *metals of the platinum group are platinum, palladium, rhodium, osmium and ruthenium