Calcium hydroxide can be used as setting or non setting paste depending upon the clinical situation. It can be used as a lining under fillings, as a sealer in root canal treatment, in desensitising dentine, as an indirect or direct pulp cap, as a root canal dressing, and in several other procedures

Calculus (also known as tartar) is formed from deposits of plaque which become calcified by minerals found in the mouth’s saliva. Calculus adheres strongly around the necks of teeth and causes gingivitis and periodontitis. Calculus can only be adequately removed by your hygienist or dentist with special instruments.

Cancer (Oral) Originally thought to only affect the older age groups it is now appreciated that oral cancer can affect anyone of any age. It can present in many different forms but commonly will present as a persistent ulcer, which may not be painful. An ulcer which is present for more than three weeks may be biopsied. Oral cancer may also present as a red and/or white patch. It can affect any part of the mouth, but tends to be more common on the floor of the mouth and at the corner of the lips. It varies in incidence worldwide. In the UK it accounts for 1-2% of all malignant tumours, whereas in parts of India it may account for up to 30-40%. It can be associated with smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and nutrition, ultra violet light, chronic candida infection, immunosuppression, syphilis, and chronic trauma. Early diagnosis is by far the most important factor affecting the outcome of the disease. Regular check ups at the dentist should ensure that any disease is found early and is treated immediately. If you suspect that you may have oral cancer you should seek advice from your doctor or dentist immediately to decrease the chance of it spreading.

Candidasis A fungal infection which may vary in appearance. It present as white/yellow plaques or red areas, and is more common on the gums under ill fitting dentures. May present as angular cheilits with soreness, redness and fissuring at the corner of the mouth. It is treated by removing the cause eg by reducing refined carbohydrate intake, denture hygiene instruction or denture relining/replacement. Antifungal drugs may also be prescribed by a doctor or a dentist.

Canines (eye tooth) The third tooth from the midline in each quarter of the mouth. Commonly this tooth has a long root. Erupts at around nine years of age.

Cap see crown

Caries is the decayed area of a tooth caused by intake of sugar and a presence of plaque on the tooth surface. The bacteria in the plaque break down the sugar releasing acid which attacks the structure of the tooth. Often caries begins in the fissures (grooves) of the teeth, or between teeth. This caries has to be removed with the drill and a suitable restoration placed.

Carious exposure may occur if dental decay reaches the dental pulp. It may be possible to keep the pulp alive by using calcium hydroxide lining materials, however, should the exposure be large, the pulp may not recover and it may be necessary to root treat the tooth.
Cavitron A dental instrument used by the dentist or dental hygienist that uses high frequency vibration and water to remove calculus and plaque.

Cavity The hole prepared in a tooth when removing caries with the drill. Depending upon context, may also mean caries.

Cellulitis (facial) has a rapid onset. The face becomes swollen, but the swelling feels firm to touch. The source of the infection must be removed (eg decayed tooth) however antibiotics may occasionally be prescribed as well or prior to extraction to reduce the initial swelling.

Cement A material used to hold a crown, bridge, inlay etc in place. A temporary or soft cement allows removal of the crown for example, whereas a hard cement should keep it in place for a number of years.

Cementum is a thin layer of calcified tissue that has the hardness of bone. It covers the root of the tooth. If the root is exposed due to gum recession in periodontitis, it is subject to the potential of root caries.

Chewing gum after meals increases salivation which buffers acids from food. Sugar free brands should be used.

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic which adheres to the tooth enamel, pellicle and plaque. Can be used as a mouthwash (0.2%) for oral ulceration, pre and post oral surgery, periodontology, disabled patients who have difficulty tooth brushing, as an antiseptic soak for acrylic dentures and as a mouthwash for immunocompromised patients.

Clenching see bruxism

Clotting The process whereby bleeding stops and healing begins following for example the extraction of a tooth. A clot forms within the first two or three minutes and the healing process may take between 14 and 21 days to complete.

Cobalt Chromium dentures are usually partial dentures. They have acrylic gums but the base, clasps and rests are made from cobalt chromium. These dentures are only suitable in patients who no or little sign of periodontitis.

Cold sores (herpes labialis) A virus which lies dormant but can be reactivated causing small vesicles which enlarge, join together and then rupture. The lesion then crusts over and heals. It most commonly occurs at the junction between the lip and the skin. Often recurrence is heralded by a burning or prickling sensation in the area which will be affected. Treatment is most effective at this warning stage and involves the application of topical acyclovir 5% cream.

Composite is a tooth coloured, polymer filling material which is bonded to the tooth surface. Most commonly used in anterior (front) teeth, however, is being increasingly used in posterior (back) teeth.

Copy (replica) dentures can be made by taking special impressions of old dentures. This allows the good qualities of the dentures to be reproduced, while the poorer qualities may be improved. Normally only full (complete) dentures are replicated, however in special circumstances it may be necessary.

Cross infection use of pre-sterilised, one use, disposable needles, one use disposable rubber gloves for operators and the autoclave for instruments have virtually eliminated the spread of disease between people (patients and staff) at the dentist.

Crossbite A deviation from the normal occlusion of the teeth whereby the lower teeth may bite in front of the upper teeth

Crowding is when the teeth do not have enough space to be correctly aligned. This may be due to the teeth being too large, the jaws being too small, or too many teeth being present. Crowding can also occur if a tooth drifts or moves before its neighbour has erupted. This may occur if any deciduous teeth have been removed before they were due to exfoliate.

Crown (cap) the portion of a tooth which is covered by enamel. The term crown is also used to describe a laboratory made restoration which fits over and covers most of the natural crown. These can be gold or white (porcelain bonded to metal) for posterior teeth, and are white for anterior (front) teeth as either Porcelain jacket crowns or porcelain bonded to metal.                                               

Cryosurgery involves the controlled destruction of tissues by freezing with liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Used mainly for cryoanalgesia (see anaesthesia),  cryoneurectomy in trigeminal neuralgia and small soft tissue lesions such as haemangioma etc.

Cusps are the raised, rounded parts on the chewing surfaces of posterior teeth.

Cyst A pathological cavity in the jaw bone which may have fluid or semi fluid contents not created by the accumulation of pus. Cysts often require to be surgically cleaned and should be examined by means of radiographs at regular intervals to ensure that they are healing.