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,” 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 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
Brighter Smiles at Illume Dental in McKinney, TX
At Illume Dental, we are committed to maintaining an excellent level of service for everyone. Our philosophy is that exceptional dental care begins with a personal relationship with your dentist and dental care team. Therefore, every treatment is tailored to meet your unique needs and exceed your expectations. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Chen, call Illume Dental in McKinney, TX, today at (469) 301-1255. We proudly welcome patients from McKinney, TX, as well as Allen, Plano, Frisco, and all surrounding communities.
