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- Abrasion
Loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique or bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).
- Abscess
An infection of a tooth, soft tissue or bone.
- Abutment
A tooth or teeth that supports a fixed or removable bridge.
- Adhesive Dentistry
Contemporary term for dental restorations that involve “bonding” of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth.
- Air Abrasion
Removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive.
- Allergy
Unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug.
- Alveolar Bone
The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth.
- Amalgam
A most common filling material, also known as silver fillings, containing mercury (approximately 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc.
- Analgesia
A state of pain relief or an agent that lessens pain.
- Anesthesia
Partial or complete elimination of pain sensation. Numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness.
- Anterior Teeth
The six upper or six lower front teeth.
- Antibiotic
A drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria.
- ANUG
An acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent’s disease, which can be aggravated by stress and/or smoking.
- Apex
The tip of the root of a tooth.
- Apicoectomy
Surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth.
- Arch
Describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.
- Attrition
Loss of structure due to natural wear.
- Base
Cement placed under a dental restoration to insulate the pulp (nerve chamber).
- Bicuspid or Pre-molar
Transitional teeth behind the cuspids.
- Bifurcation (Trifurcation)
Juncture of two (three) roots in posterior teeth.
- Biopsy
Removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination.
- Bite
Relationship of the upper and lower teeth on closure (occlusion).
- Bite Wings
Caries (decay) detection devices used during X-rays.
- Black Hairy Tongue
Elongated papillae on the tongue, promoting the growth of microorganisms.
- Bleaching
Chemical or laser treatment of natural teeth for whitening effect.
- Block Injection
Anesthesia of a nerve trunk that covers a large area of the jaw. A mandibular block injection produces numbness of the lower jaw, teeth and half the tongue.
- Bonding
Adhesive dental restoration technique. A tooth-colored composite resin to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth.
- Bone Resorption
Decrease in bone supporting the roots of teeth, which is a common result of periodontal (gum) disease.
- Braces
Devices used by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth to a more favorable alignment.
- Bridge
A stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth adjacent to a space. It replaces one or more missing teeth, and is cemented or bonded, to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space. Bridges resemble natural teeth, and are designed to take the place of areas where there are gaps between teeth.
- Bruxism
Grinding or gnashing of the teeth, most commonly while the patient is asleep.
- Buccal
Of or relating to the cheek. In dentistry, refers to the side of the tooth closest to the cheek.
- Calcium
Chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves.
- Calculus
Hard residue, commonly known as tartar, that forms on teeth due to inadequate plaque control. Calculus teeth often are stained yellow or brown.
- Canine tooth
One of the four pointed conical teeth located between the incisors and the premolars. There are two upper and two lower canine (cuspid) teeth.
- Canker Sore
Mouth sore that appears whitish and often has a red halo. A canker sore usually has a 10-14 day duration.
- Cantilever Bridge
Fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth only on one end.
- Cap
Common term for dental crown.
- Caries
Tooth decay or “cavities”.
- Cast or Model
Reproduction of structures made by pouring plaster or stone into a mold.
- Cavitron
Dental tool that uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to clean teeth.
- Cellulitis
Soft tissue infection causing extensive hard swelling, a potentially dangerous condition requiring immediate attention.
- Cementum
Hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth.
- CEREC Crown
A CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or CEramic REConstruction) crown is a ceramic dental restoration product. With CEREC, a crown can be made and fitted in a single appointment. There is less time involved, no impression to be made and sent to lab, no waiting and no additional visit to have the crown placed.
Your dentist uses 3D imaging technology to photograph the tooth. Next, he uses CAD/CAM technology to design the crown. The 3D design is then transmitted to a milling machine that carves the crown out of ceramic block. The whole procedure takes between 1-3 hours.
- Chart
Log of dental or medical records.
- Clasp
Device that retains a removable partial denture to stationary teeth.
- Cleaning
The removal of dental plaque from teeth with the intention of preventing cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, and periodontal disease. There are several different types of “cleanings” that are recommended by the dentist and hygienist depending on the patient’s oral health. Services may include removal of plaque and tartar, stain removal, fluoride application, sealants (for children), teeth polishing teeth, including fillings and crowns, cleaning and adjustment of dentures and partial dentures.
- Composite Resin
Material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles that is usually cured with filtered light or chemical catalyst.
- Cosmetic Dentistry
Refers to a variety of dental treatments aimed at improving the appearance of the teeth. Cosmetic procedures range from bleaching, crowns, veneers or bonding can help correct minor/major flaws and gaps to improve appearance and smile.
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Artificial procedures employed by a rescuer after cessation of breathing or heart stoppage.
- Crossbite
A condition where one or more teeth of one arch to the opposing tooth or teeth of the other arch, caused by deviation of tooth position or abnormal jaw position. A unilateral posterior crossbite is what occurs when your upper teeth fall inside your lower teeth on one side when you bite down. An anterior crossbite, which is similar to an underbite, is what occurs when your top front teeth fall behind your lower front teeth when you bite down.
- Crown
A type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often used to repair and strengthen damaged teeth or to improve the appearance of teeth.
Dental crowns are permanently cemented into place. The tooth-crown combination that results is cared for and functions like any natural tooth.
- Curettage
Removal of diseased tissue from a periodontal pocket.
- Cusp
Mound on posterior teeth.
- Cuspid or Canine Tooth
A tooth having one point. One of the four pointed conical teeth (two in each jaw) located between the incisors and the premolars. Commonly called “eye teeth”.
- Cyst
A soft or hard tissue sac filled with fluid.
- D.D.S.
Doctor of Dental Surgery, equivalent to D.M.D.
- D.M.D.
Doctor of Medical Dentistry, equivalent to D.D.S.
- Decay
Destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria. Also called dental cavities or dental caries.
- Deciduous Teeth
Commonly called “baby teeth,” the first set of teeth.
- Dental Exams
Consists mainly of a checkup and cleaning but may vary depending on your individual dental needs. Your dentist will look for developing tooth decay, gum disease or other oral health problems, as well as check your face, neck and mouth for abnormalities.
- Dental Implant
An artificial tooth that is anchored in the gums or jawbone to replace a missing tooth.
Dental implants look like natural teeth and are normally made of titanium at the root.
The implant process takes about six months overall. The tooth/teeth must be created to fit the individual, implanted into the mouth and anchored to the jawbone. Then, a permanent crown is put on the implant and it looks like a normal tooth.
- Dentin
Inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel.
- Dentition
The arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth.
- Denture
A removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth.
- Denturism
The production of dentures dispensed directly by laboratory technicians.
- Diastema
A space between teeth.
- Distal
Refers to the surface of a tooth towards the back of the mouth or that is farthest from the middle of the front of the jaw.
- Enamel
Hard tissue covering the portion of tooth above the gum line. The first layer of tooth that is visible in the mouth.
- Endodontist
A specialist who treats injuries, diseases and infections of the tooth pulp (nerve chamber). You would go to an endodontist for a root canal.
- Epidemiology
The study of the incidence of disease in a population.
- Eruption
The process of teeth protruding through the gums.
- Exfoliate
The process of shedding deciduous (baby) teeth.
- Exodontia
The branch of dentistry concerned with the extraction or removal of teeth.
- Explorer
A sharp, pointed probe used on tooth surfaces to detect caries or other defects on the surface of teeth.
- Extraction
Removal of a tooth.
- Facing
Tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown that is made of acrylic, composite or porcelain.
- FAGD
Fellowship Academy of General Dentistry.
- Filling
Restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain or resin materials.
- Fistula
The channel that emanates pus from an infection site in the gum.
- Flap Surgery
The lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures.
- Forceps
An instrument used for removal of teeth.
- Forensic Dentistry
The practice of gathering legal evidence for body identification or judicial issues.
- Fossa
The valley found on the surface of posterior teeth.
- Freeway Space
The distance between the upper and lower teeth with the lower jaw in rest position.
- Frenectomy
The removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
- Full Denture
A removable dental prosthesis (appliance) that replaces all upper or lower teeth.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction
Extensive restorations of natural teeth with crowns and/or fixed bridges to manage bite problems.
- General Anesthesia
Controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of pain sensation, protective reflexes, and the ability to respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command.
- Geographic Tongue
Benign changes in the usual color and texture of tongue that does not require treatment.
- Gingiva
Gum tissue.
- Gingivectomy
The surgical removal of gum tissue.
- Gingivitis
The inflammation of gum tissue.
- GTR – Guided tissue regeneration
A new technique for replacing bone tissue.
- Gum Boil
A small boil or abscess on the gum, often resulting from tooth decay.
- Gum Recession
The exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, periodontal disease or surgery.
- Halitosis
Bad breath of oral or gastrointestinal origin.
- Heimlich Maneuver
A techinque employed by a rescuer due to the obstruction of victim’s airway.
- Hematoma
The swelling of effused blood beneath tissue surface. A bruise.
- HMO or DMO
Health or Dental Maintenance Organization, which specifies a health or dental care provider that a patient may see.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
A disinfecting solution used in dental irrigation procedures or as a mouth rinse.
- Hygienist
A person trained and licensed to provide preventive dental services, such as cleaning the teeth and taking x-rays, usually in conjunction with a dentist.
- Hyperemia
Increased blood flow that may cause dental sensitivity to temperature and sweets. May precede an abscess.
- Impaction
A partial or completely unexposed tooth that is wedged against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue, precluding the eruption process.
- Implant
An artificial device that replaces the tooth root and may anchor an artificial tooth, bridge or denture.
- Impression
A mold made of the teeth and soft tissues.
- Incision and Drainage
The surgical incision of an abscess to drain suppuration (pus).
- Incisors
The four upper and lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth).
- Infiltration
A local anesthetic procedure effective for upper teeth and soft tissue or the placement of anesthetic under the gum, allowing it to seep into bone.
- Inlay
An indirect filling made by a dental laboratory that is cemented or bonded into place; or a direct placement of dental composite resin restoration at chair side.
- Interocclusal
The space between upper and lower teeth.
- Interproximal
The surfaces of adjoining teeth.
- Intraoral Camera
A small video camera used to view and magnify oral conditions from which images may be printed.
- Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are clear, removable teeth aligners used as an alternative to traditional metal braces to straighten teeth.
- Jacket
A crown for a front tooth, usually made of porcelain.
- LAA – Local Antimicrobial Agents
Medications placed in gum pockets to reduce infection and inflammation.
- Laminate
A thin plastic or porcelain veneer produced in a dental laboratory and then bonded to a tooth.
- Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide, an odorless inhalation agent that produces relative analgesic (sedation), and reduces anxiety and creates a state of relaxation.
- Lesion
Injury of bodily tissue due to infection, trauma or neoplasm.
- Lingual
Refers to the surface of a tooth closest to the tongue.
- Local Anesthesia
Partial or complete elimination of pain sensation in the immediate vicinity of its application or injection.
- Malocclusion
A “bad bite” or misalignment of the upper and lower teeth.
- Managed Care
A program whereby patient-dentist assignment and dentist reimbursement is administered by a separate, external organization.
- Mandible
The lower jaw.
- Margin
The interface between a restoration and tooth structure.
- Mesial
Refers to the surface of a tooth towards the front of the mouth or that is closest from the middle of the front of the jaw.
- Occlusal
Refers to the chewing or grinding surface of the bicuspid or molar teeth.
- Onlay
A laboratory-produced restoration covering one or more cusps of a tooth.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
A dental specialist who manages the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures. Requires four additional years of training after dental school.
- Oral Hygiene
The process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures.
- Oral Pathologist
A dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases.
- Orthodontics
The branch of dentistry dealing with the prevention and correction of irregular teeth, as by means of braces.
Dental braces are metal or metallic braces made from an alloy that hold teeth in a certain position and then are gradually adjusted to straighten crooked teeth, close gaps between teeth, or push teeth apart in some cases.
Invisible braces are tools used to straighten teeth (minor repairs), Tools such as plates, retainers, and similar dental appliances aid in these efforts, and some are worn after the braces are removed permanently.
- Osseous
Boney
- Overbite
Refers to a lower jaw being too far behind the upper jaw or a misalignment of the teeth.
- Overdenture
A denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants.
- Overjet
When the upper teeth are very forwardly placed, commonly called “buck teeth”.
- Palate
Hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth.
- Palliative Treatment
Treatment to alleviate symptoms without curing the disease.
- Parasthesia
A partial loss of sensation that is temporary or permanent.
- Partial Denture
A removable dental prosthesis (appliance) that replaces one or more natural teeth.
- Pathology
The study of disease. Also, the structural and functional deviations from the normal that constitute disease or characterize a particular disease
- Pedodontics or Pediatric Dentistry
The field of medicine that deals with dentists for children. A children’s dentist specializes in the care of a child’s small mouth and teeth, including braces, crowns, fillings, cleanings, plates, and x-rays.
Specializes in the needs of children including calming fears, specialized equipment and education about good oral health.
- Periapical (PA)
The region at the end of the roots of teeth.
- Perio Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)
A cleaning procedure meant to remove contamination and infection from beneath the gum.
Scaling removes deposits of bacterial plaque, calculus, food debris, and pus that have accumulated in the infected pocket due to periodontitis.
Root planing removes any infected tooth structure, smooths and cleans the root of the tooth so that gum tissue may heal. - Periodontal Chart
A record measuring the depth of gum pockets around the teeth.
- Periodontal Surgery
The recontouring or aesthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue.
- Periodontist
A dental specialist who treats the gums and supporting soft and hard tissues in order to retain natural teeth and prepare for surgical placement of dental implants.
Heredity, diet and other factors can result in gum disease.
- Permanent Teeth
The second set of teeth, also know as “adult teeth”.
There are thirty-two permanent teeth, consisting of six maxillary and six mandibular molars, four maxillary and four mandibular premolars, two maxillary and two mandibular canines, four maxillary and four mandibular incisors.
- Pit
A small defect in the tooth enamel, or the junction of four formative lobes of a developing tooth.
- Plaque
A soft, sticky substance that accumulates on teeth and is composed of bacteria and food debris.
Since plaque is constantly growing in your mouth, the best way to remove it and to prevent tartar build-up is to brush and floss your teeth every day.
- Pontic
A replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance.
- Porcelain Crown
An all-porcelain restoration that covers the coronal portion of tooth (above the gum line).
- Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crown
A restoration containing metal coping for strength covered by porcelain for appearance.
- Porcelain Inlay or Onlay
A tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain and cemented or bonded in place.
- Porcelain Veneers
A thin layer of porcelain, fabricated by a laboratory and bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth, or change color and/or shape.
- Post
A thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy. A post provides retention for a “coping” which replaces lost tooth structure and retains crowns.
- Post-Core
A post and buildup to replace lost tooth structure and retain crowns.
- Post-Crown
A single structure that combines post-core and crown.
- PPO or PDO
A preferred provider or dental organization, which a health care dental provider may join offering fee for service treatments at reduced fees.
- Prognosis
The anticipated outcome of treatment.
- Prophylaxis
Cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth decay.
- Prosthesis
An artificial appliance for the replacement for a body part.
- Prosthodontist
A prosthodontist specializes in replacing parts of the mouth, jaw, or teeth, often using an artificial device such as dentures, partial dentures, and other items to improve the appearance and correct common oral problems.
“Prosthodontics” involves dentures, bridges, crowns, implants, and similar areas of expertise commonly associated with cosmetic dentistry. Many dentists who specialize in prosthodontics also go on to receive special training in oral or maxillofacial surgery or prosthodontics. This allows them to fix or repair other missing facial features such as nose, eyes, and/or ears, to name a few.
- Pulp
The nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside a tooth.
- Pulp Cap
A medicated covering over a small area of exposed pulp tissue.
- Pulp Chamber
The center or innermost portion of the tooth containing the pulp.
- Pulpectomy
Complete removal of the pulp (commonly done in children’s teeth).
- Pulpitis
Inflammation of the pulp, which is common cause of toothache.
- Pulpotomy
Partial removal of the pulp tissue.
- Pyorrhea
Older term for periodontal (gum) disease.
- Reimplantation
The insertion and temporary fixation of partially or completely avulsed teeth resulting from traumatic injury.
- Reline
The acrylic restoration of a denture base to compensate for bone loss. Direct in conjunction with a dental laboratory.
- Restoration
The replacement of a portion of a damaged tooth.
- Retained Root
The partial root structure remaining in the jaw after extraction or fracture of a natural tooth.
- Root
The tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw.
- Root Canal
A dental procedure to save a tooth by removing the diseased or injured tissue in its root.
- Root Canal Therapy
The treatment for disease of the dental pulp in which the pulp is removed and replaced by filling material.
- Root Resection
The removal of a portion of diseased root structure, but retaining the remaining natural tooth.
- Rubber Dam
A soft latex sheet used to isolate one or more teeth from contamination by oral fluids and to keep materials from falling to the back of the throat.
- Saliva
A clear lubricating fluid in the mouth containing water, enzymes, bacteria, mucus, viruses, blood cells and undigested food particles.
- Saliva Ejector
A suction tube placed in the mouth to remove saliva.
- Salivary Glands
The glands located under the tongue and in cheeks that produce saliva.
- Sealants
Thin resin material bonded in the pits and fissures of back teeth for the prevention of decay.
- Secondary Dentin
Reparative tooth structure produced by the pulp in response to tooth irritation.
- Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinus that may mimic dental pain.
- Sleep Apnea
The periodic interruption or delay in breathing during sleep.
- Space Maintainer
A dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth.
- Splint
The connection of two or more teeth so that they function as a stronger single structure.
- Supernumerary Tooth
An extra tooth.
- Tartar
A common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth and produces a rough surface that attracts plaque.
- Third-Party Provider
An insurance company, union or government agency that pays all or a part of cost of dental treatment.
- TMD (or TMJ Disorder)
Temperomandibular disorder, the term given to the condition characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open or move the jaw.
- TMJ
The temporomandibular joint where the lower jaw attaches to the skull.
- Tooth Bud
The early embryonic structure that becomes a tooth.
- Tooth Whitening
A chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth.
- Topical Anesthetic
An ointment that produces mild anesthesia when applied to the tissue surface.
- Torus
Common bony protuberance on the palate or lower jaw.
- Transplant
The process of placing a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth.
- Trauma
Injury caused by external forces, chemical or temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment.
- Trench Mouth
Gum disease characterized by severe mouth sores and loss of tissue. See ANUG.
- UCR
Usual, Customary and Reasonable fees.
- Unerupted Tooth
A tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the dental arch.
- Veneer
A plastic or porcelain facing bonded directly to a tooth to improve its appearance.
- Vertical Dimension
The arbitrary space between the upper and lower jaws upon closure that may decrease over time due to wear, shifting or damage to the teeth.
- Wisdom Teeth
The third (last) molars that usually erupt between the age of 18-25.
- Xerostomia
Dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva.