P

palate – hard and soft tissues that form the roof of the mouth, separating the oral and nasal cavities

palatal expander – orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw

palliative treatment – treatment for the purpose of pain relief only

panoramic radiograph (x-ray) – radiograph that includes the full upper and lower teeth and jaws as a single flattened image, used for diagnostic purposes

partial denture – 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

pediatric dentist – dental specialist focusing on the dental treatment of infants, children, and adolescents

pediatric dentistry – dental specialty that focuses on preventive care and treatment for infants, children, and adolescents, includes care for special needs patients

periapical (PA) – area at the end of a tooth root

pericoronal – area around the crown of a tooth

peri-implantitis – inflammation of the tissue surrounding a dental implant

periodontal – refers to the tissues that surround and support the teeth

periodontal disease – includes gingivitis and periodontitis, inflammation of the periodontal tissues, may include the development of periodontal pockets, bone loss, and tooth loss, can be treated but not cured

periodontal surgery – surgery to treat diseased gum tissue in the mouth

periodontal pocket – a feature of periodontal disease, pocket-like deformity in the gums at the toothline

periodontics – 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

periodontist – dental specialist who focuses on placement of dental implants and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the tissues that surround and support the teeth

periodontitis – inflammation of the periodontal tissues, may include the development of periodontal pockets, bone loss, and tooth loss, can be treated but not cured

permanent teeth – the second and final set of teeth, also known as adult teeth, usually 32 in total

plaque – soft, sticky substance that can accumulate on teeth, generally made up of food debris and bacteria

pontic – prosthetic tooth, part of a partial denture/bridge

post – thin rod that may be inserted into tooth root following root canal treatment, provides support for the tooth structure

preventive dentistry – 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

prophylaxis – professional cleaning to remove plaque, calculus, surface stains from tooth structures, helps to prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease

prosthodontics – dental specialty focusing on the use of prosthetic tooth replacement and restoration of natural teeth

prosthodontist – dental specialist focusing on the use of prosthetic tooth replacement and restoration of natural teeth

pulp – connective tissue inside the tooth, contains nerves and blood vessels

pulp cap – medicated covering placed over small exposed area of pulp to aid in healing

pulpectomy – complete removal of tooth pulp

pulpitis – inflammation of pulp tissue, common cause of toothaches

pulpotomy – removal of diseased portion of pulp, leaving healthy pulp tissue intact

 

How Can We Help You?

Dentist in Virginia Beach

Our dental office in Virginia Beach provides a variety of services, including cosmetic restorative, and preventive dentistry. We are experts is developing custom solutions for the most complex dental problems and concerns.

Schedule Appointment

What Our Clients Are Saying

Dentist in Virginia Beach

Jennifer Roberts

Dr. Rutledge and his staff are both professional and kind. They are extremely welcoming and personable. I feel very confident in their abilities of providing excellent dental care, and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a dentist in the area

- Jennifer Roberts

Phyllis W.

First visit I was warmly greeted by staff and Dr. My hygienist took time to know me and my concerns. She was very experienced and good at what she does. Thank you Karen! See you next time!

- Phyllis W.

Deborah C.

Very understanding and patient. Spent a lot of time getting to know me before ever looking in my mouth. I’m going back to take care of the problems I’ve let linger for far too long.

- Deborah C.

*Smiles pictured thanks to our actual patients.

Read More Testimonials

Read Our Virginia Beach Dental Blog

Dentist in Virginia Beach

Is Undiagnosed TMD Causing You Neck And Shoulder Pain?

September 9, 2020

Do you have frequent headaches or migraines, earaches or tinnitus, tender jaw muscles, or a dull aching facial pain? Do you often have neck and shoulder pain? Does your jaw lock or stray to one side when you open your mouth? These aches and pains may be related to the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint or “TMJ,” and the muscles that work to move the joint. These painful conditions are often called “TMD” for temporomandibular disorders.

More >>
A Letter To Our Patients...

March 21, 2020

Dear Friends, Families, and Valued Patients, As part of your... More >>

Virginia Beach VA Dentist |...

August 26, 2019

Taking care of your dentures can seem like an added chore. Don’t... More >>

Virginia Beach VA Dentist |...

August 22, 2019

When you are traveling, it can be challenging to keep up with your... More >>

Virginia Beach VA Dentist |...

August 14, 2019

Loose teeth, bad breath, and painful, bloody gums - these... More >>

Smile Gallery

Dentist in Virginia Beach

James Rutledge Dentistry | 2025 Pleasure House Rd. | Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Phone: (757) 464-0271