Teeth Dental Information Adults Children. Dental Care Guide. Dentistry.

Word	Meaning
Calculus or Tartar	A hard calcified deposit on the teeth, at or below the gum line. It can only be removed by the dentist or hygienist.
Canines	These are the pointed eye teeth between the incisors and the back teeth.
Cap or Crown	A replacement crown. It covers the whole tooth, and replaces part or all of a natural crown of a tooth.
Carcinogenic	Ability to cause cancer.
Carcinoma	Cancerous tumour.
Caries	Tooth decay or cavity.
Cast	A precise reproduction of a tooth, teeth or a dental ridge, made of a stone material. Referred to as a plaster model. It is made from an impression taken by the dentist.
Cavity	Decay or hole in a tooth.
Cementum	The hard outer covering of the roots of teeth.
Ceramics	Dental porcelain work such as veneers and crowns.
Chronic	Slowly developing and long lasting (infection or growth).
Clenching	The habitual and forceful clamping together of the upper and lower teeth.
Composite	A tooth coloured plastic material used for fillings. It is also known as a composite resin filling.
Condition	An ailment, illness or disease.
Congenital	A non-hereditary condition existing at birth.
Contact Point	The meeting or contact point between a tooth and its adjoining teeth.
Core	The central structure over which a replacement crown is placed. It is either a prepared, shaped tooth, or made of special materials, as in post-and-core restoration.
Cosmetic Dentistry	A branch of dentistry that improves the beauty and attractiveness of the teeth and face.
Crossbite	A relationship of a tooth or teeth to the opposing teeth, in which they overlap abnormally. They may appear to cross over one another as a derailed train might.
Crowding	Crooked overlapping teeth. The bunching together of teeth caused by insufficient space in the jaw. Also referred to as dental malalignment.
Crown	a) The visible part of the tooth, covered by enamel. b) Dental Crown or Replacement Crown: A new crown that is made to replace a natural crown. Also called a crown or cap.
Cusp	The raised pointed part of the crown of a tooth.
Cyst	A soft swelling that contains fluid.