CAD\/CAM<\/strong> – Computer -Aided Design\/Computer-Aided Manufacturing<\/p>\n calcium<\/strong> – mineral necessary to the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones<\/p>\n calculus<\/strong> – commonly called “tartar,” hard\u00a0substance that forms on teeth due to insufficient plaque control, may be stained brown or yellow<\/p>\n canker sore<\/strong> – whitish mouth sore, usually lasts 10-14 days, may have red “halo”<\/p>\n cantilever bridge<\/strong> – dental bridge that only attaches to teeth on one side<\/p>\n cap<\/strong> – commonly used term for dental crown<\/p>\n caries<\/strong> – common term for tooth decay or “cavities”<\/p>\n cast\/model<\/strong> – 3D reproduction used by filling an impression or mold with plaster and allowing it to dry<\/p>\n CAT scan<\/strong> – Computerized Axial Tomography scan, used to determine size, shape, and placement of bone, usually used for implant placement planning<\/p>\n cavity<\/strong> – missing tooth structure caused by decay, abrasion, or erosion<\/p>\n Cavitron<\/strong> – dental tool used in cleaning teeth, uses high-frequency ultrasonic waves<\/p>\n cellulitis<\/strong> – potentially dangerous infection of the soft tissue, characterized by extensive hard swelling<\/p>\n cementum<\/strong> – hard tissue that covers the outer surface of a tooth root<\/p>\n cephalometric imaging<\/strong> – x-ray scan of the head that shows the relative positioning of the face, teeth, and jaws<\/p>\n clasp<\/strong> – acrylic or metal portion of a partial denture that hooks to natural teeth<\/p>\n cleaning\/prophylaxis<\/strong>\u00a0– the removal of plaque and calculus from the teeth above the gumline<\/p>\n cleft palate<\/strong> – congenital deformity that is characterized by a partial or complete lack of fusion of soft and\/or hard palate<\/p>\n coil spring<\/strong> – spring used between brackets and archwire to open or close space between teeth<\/p>\n complete denture<\/strong> – set of prosthetic teeth that are used to replace all\u00a0upper or lower teeth<\/p>\n composite resin<\/strong> – tooth colored material composed of plastic with small particles of ceramic or glass, generally cured with a chemical catalyst or filtered light<\/p>\n coronal<\/strong> – referencing the crown of a tooth<\/p>\n cosmetic dentistry<\/strong> – dental services used to improve appearance, rather than health or function<\/p>\n