palate<\/strong> – hard and soft tissues that form the roof of the mouth, separating the oral and nasal cavities<\/p>\n palatal expander<\/strong> – orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw<\/p>\n palliative treatment<\/strong> – treatment for the purpose of pain relief only<\/p>\n panoramic radiograph (x-ray)<\/strong> – radiograph that includes the full upper and lower teeth and jaws as a single flattened image, used for diagnostic purposes<\/p>\n partial denture<\/strong> – prosthetic device that is used to replace one or more missing teeth, but not the full upper or lower set, may be fixed or removable, also known as a bridge<\/p>\n pediatric dentist<\/strong> – dental specialist focusing on the dental treatment of infants, children, and adolescents<\/p>\n pediatric dentistry<\/strong> – dental specialty that focuses on preventive care and treatment for infants, children, and adolescents, includes care for special needs patients<\/p>\n periapical (PA)<\/strong> – area at the end of a tooth root<\/p>\n pericoronal<\/strong> – area around the crown of a tooth<\/p>\n peri-implantitis<\/strong> – inflammation of the tissue surrounding a dental implant<\/p>\n periodontal<\/strong> – refers to the tissues that surround and support the teeth<\/p>\n periodontal disease<\/strong> – includes gingivitis and periodontitis, inflammation of the periodontal tissues, may include the development of\u00a0periodontal pockets, bone loss, and tooth loss, can be treated but not cured<\/p>\n periodontal surgery<\/strong> – surgery to treat diseased gum tissue in the mouth<\/p>\n periodontal pocket<\/strong> – a feature of periodontal disease, pocket-like deformity in the gums at the toothline<\/p>\n periodontics<\/strong> – dental specialty focusing on placement of dental implants and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the tissues that surround and support the teeth<\/p>\n periodontist<\/strong> – dental specialist who focuses on\u00a0placement of dental implants and the\u00a0prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the tissues that surround and support the teeth<\/p>\n periodontitis<\/strong> –\u00a0inflammation of the periodontal tissues, may include the development of\u00a0periodontal pockets, bone loss, and tooth loss, can be treated but not cured<\/p>\n permanent teeth<\/strong> – the second and final set of teeth, also known as adult teeth, usually 32 in total<\/p>\n plaque<\/strong> – soft, sticky substance that can accumulate on teeth, generally made up of food debris and bacteria<\/p>\n pontic<\/strong> – prosthetic tooth, part of a partial denture\/bridge<\/p>\n post<\/strong> – thin rod that may be inserted into tooth root following root canal treatment, provides support for the tooth structure<\/p>\n preventive dentistry<\/strong> – aspect of dentistry that focuses on promotion of good oral hygiene habits to protect oral health and reduce or prevent development of oral health issues<\/p>\n