Any artificial appliance used to replace a body part. Can be a single crown, a bridge, a partial denture, a full denture, or a facial prosthetic including: eyes, ears, cheeks, noses, and palates.
Prosthodontics
The field of dentistry that deals with the creation and function of artificial dental appliances and teeth.
Prosthodontist
A dentist who has completed a specialty residency of two to three years learning how to restore complex cases and how the teeth should fit together so that they can function in health and comfort. Additionally they learn more information about the different types of materials which are available to restore teeth.
Provisional
Any tooth replacement which is designed to be used while the permanent or final teeth are being made. They are a temporary appliance.
Pulp
The tissue which fills the inside center of a tooth. It consists of a nerve, an artery and a vein. This is the tissue which must be removed during a root canal.
Pulpal
Having to do with the pulp.
Pus
Also known as exudate. It is the material which drains from an infection. It is made mostly of immune system cells which are fighting the infection, dead cells and bacteria.
Pyorrhea
A dated/ colloquial term for periodontitis.