calcium:
    chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves
calculus:
    hard residue, ranging from yellow to brown, forming on teeth when oral hygiene is incomplete or improper
canker sore:
    whitish, often circular mouth sore lasting ten to fourteen days
cantilever bridge:
    fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth on one end only
cap:
    common term for crown
caries:
    tooth decay or cavities
cavitron:
    dental tool that uses high frequency sound waves to clean teeth
cellulitis:
    uncontrolled infection causing extensive swelling Since this is a dangerous condition, a dentist or physician should be consulted as soon as possible.
cementum:
    hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth
chart:
    to measure the depth of the gum pockets around teeth
clasp:
    device that retains a removable partial denture
cleaning:
    removal of plaque and calculus from teeth, generally above the gumline
composite:
    common bonding mix of plastic and glass/ceramic particles; usually cured with light or chemicals
crown:
    two meanings: (1)the portion of a tooth covered by enamel, and (2)a restoration that covers all or most of the natural tooth above the gumline
curretage:
    removal of dead inner tissue from a gum pocket
cyst:
    a fluid-filled sac