DENTAL GLOSSARY

Table of Contents

A

Abrasion: 

The wearing away of tooth structure by mechanical forces other than mastication (e.g., brushing too hard).

Abscess: 

A collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often resulting from severe tooth decay or gum disease.

Abutment: A natural tooth or dental implant used to support a fixed or removable dental prosthesis.

Air Abrasion: 

A dental technique that uses compressed air and abrasive particles to remove tooth decay without the need for drilling.

Allergy: 

An abnormal immune response to a foreign substance can include allergic reactions to certain dental materials.

Alveolar Bone

The bone that surrounds and supports the roots of teeth.

Amalgam

A dental filling material is composed of a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, tin, and copper.

Analgesia

The relief of pain without loss of consciousness.

Anaesthesia 

The induced loss of sensation or feeling is often used during dental procedures to numb the affected area.

Anterior Teeth

The front teeth in the dental arch, including the incisors and canines.

Apex

The tip or end of the root of a tooth.

Apicoectomy 

A surgical procedure to remove the tip of a tooth’s root and seal the root canal to treat a persistent infection.

Arch 

The curved structure is formed by the upper or lower teeth and their supporting structures.

Attrition

The wearing down of tooth structure due to normal functioning, such as chewing.

Autoclave 

A device used to sterilize dental instruments and equipment by subjecting them to high-pressure steam.

B

Base

A dental material used to replace lost tooth structure and provide support for restorations.

Bicuspid or Pre-Molar

A type of tooth located between the molars and the cuspids, typically used for grinding and chewing food.

Biopsy 

The surgical removal and examination of a small piece of tissue for diagnostic purposes.

Bite 

The way the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed.

Bite Wings 

X-ray images that show the upper and lower teeth in occlusion are used to detect cavities and assess oral health.

Bleaching

A cosmetic dental procedure to whiten and brighten teeth using bleaching agents.

Bonding 

The process of adhering dental materials to natural tooth structures repairs or enhance the teeth’s appearance.

Braces

Orthodontic appliances are used to correct misaligned teeth and bite problems.

Dental Bridge 

A dental restoration is d to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between adjacent teeth or dental implants.

Bruxism

The habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, often involuntarily and frequently during sleep.

Buccal 

RefRefers the cheek side of the teeth or dental structures.

C

Calculus

Hardened plaque that forms on teeth and can only be removed with professional dental cleaning

Canker Sore 

Painful ulcers thaelop on the soft tissues inside the mouth, often caused by stress or certain foods.

Cantilever Bridge 

A type of dental bridge that is supported on one side only, typically used when there is only one adjacent tooth available for support.

Cap 

InfAn informal for a dental crown, a tooth-shaped cap that covers and protects a damaged or decayed tooth.

Cavities 

Holes or pits in the teeth caused by tooth decay.

Clasp 

A component of a removable dental prosthesis that holds the prosthesis in place by engaging with natural teeth.

Dental Cleaning 

The removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth by a dental professional.

Composite Filling

A tooth-colored filling material composed of resin and glass particles, used to repair cavities and restore the appearance of teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry 

Dental procedures and treatments aimed at improving the appearance of the teeth, gums, and smile.

Crown

A dental restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Cross Bite 

A misalignment of the teeth where the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth when the jaws are closed.

Curettage 

The surgical removal of infected or inflamed tissue from the lining of a periodontal pocket.

Cuspids

Another term for canines, the pointed teeth located between the incisors and premolars.

Cusps 

The pointed or rounded elevations on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars.

Decay

The destruction of tooth structure caused by acids produced by bacteria in plaque.

D

Deciduous Teeth

Another term for primary or baby teeth, the first set of teeth that erupt in humans.

Dentin

The hard tissue that forms the bulk of the tooth structure beneath the enamel and cementum.

Dental Floss

A thin filament used to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gumline.

Dental Implant

A surgical component that serves as an artificial tooth root to support dental prostheses, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Denture

A removable dental prosthesis used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues.

Diastema

A gap or space between two teeth, typically referring to the gap between the upper central incisors.

E

Enamel

The hard, outer layer of the tooth protects the underlying dentin and pulp.

Endodontics

The branch of dentistry is concerned with the study and treatment of dental pulp and periapical tissues.

Endodontist

A dentist who specializes in endodontic treatment, such as root canal therapy.

Extraction

The surgical removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone.

F

Facial

This refers to the side of the tooth or dental structure that faces the lips or cheeks.

Filling

A dental restoration used to repair and restore the function and appearance of a decayed, damaged, or worn tooth.

Fluoride

A mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and reducing the risk of cavities.

Frenum

A fold of tissue that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gums or underlying structures in the mouth.

Frenectomy

A surgical procedure to remove or modify a frenum to improve oral function or prevent oral health issues.

G

Gingiva

The soft tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, commonly known as the gums.

Gingivectomy

The surgical removal of gum tissue to treat periodontal disease or improve the appearance of the gums.

Gingivitis 

The inflammation of the gums, often caused by plaque buildup along the gumline.

Gingivoplasty

The surgical reshaping of the gums to improve their appearance or function.

Gluma 

A dental solution used to desensitize teeth and reduce post-operative sensitivity.

Graft

A surgical procedure to transplant tissue from one part of the body to another, often used in periodontal surgery to regenerate lost or damaged gum tissue.

Gum

Informal term for gingiva, the soft tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.

Gum disease

A broad term for conditions affecting the gums, ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis.

H

High noble metal 

A classification of dental alloys that contains a high percentage of precious metals, such as gold, platinum, or palladium.

Hypersensitivity 

Increased sensitivity or pain in the teeth or gums, often in response to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli.

Immediate denture

A complete or partial denture is inserted immediately after the extraction of natural teeth.

I

Impacted tooth 

A tooth that fails to fully emerge through the gum line or does not have enough space to erupt properly.

Implant

A prosthetic device, typically made of titanium, surgically placed into the jawbone to support dental restorations, such as crowns or bridges.

Incisal edge 

The cutting or biting edge of the anterior teeth.

Incisors

The front teeth in the dental arch, used for cutting and biting food.

Indirect pulp cap 

A dental procedure in which a medicament is placed over a thin layer of remaining dentin to stimulate the formation of reparative dentin and protect the dental pulp.

Indirect restoration

A dental restoration fabricated outside of the mouth and later bonded or cemented into place, such as an inlay or onlay.

Inlay

A type of dental restoration that fits within the confines of the cusps of a tooth to repair a cavity or restore its shape and function.

Interproximal 

Referring to the space between adjacent teeth.

Intracoronal

Within the crown portion of a tooth.

Intraoral

Within the oral cavity or mouth.

L

Labial

Refers to the surface of anterior teeth that faces the lips.

Laser Cavity Detection 

Lasers to detect early signs of tooth decay or cavities.

Lingual

Refers to the surface of anterior teeth that face the tongue.

Local anaesthetic

Medication administered to numb a specific area of the body is commonly used in dentistry to prevent pain during dental procedures.

M

Malocclusion

A misalignment of the teeth or improper positioning of the jaws when the mouth is closed.

Mandible 

The lower jawbone.

Maryland bridge

A type of dental bridge that uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth to support the artificial tooth or pontic.

Mastication

The process of chewing food to break it down into smaller pieces for swallowing and digestion.

Maxilla

The upper jawbone.

Mesial

Toward the midline of the dental arch or the front of the mouth.

Metals

classification of Dental alloys is categorized based on their composition, including noble metals, high noble metals, and base metals.

Molars

The large, flat teeth located at the back of the mouth, are used for grinding and chewing food.

N

Nitrous oxide 

A gas commonly used as a sedative and analgesic agent in dentistry, also known as laughing gas.

Novocain

A local anaesthetic commonly used in dentistry to numb the teeth and surrounding tissues.

O

Occlusal x-ray

An x-ray image that shows the biting surfaces of the upper and lower teeth.

Occlusal surface

The chewing surface of the posterior teeth, including the molars and premolars.

Occlusion

The alignment and contact between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Onlay

A type of dental restoration that covers one or more cusps of a tooth to repair damage or restore its shape and function.

Oral surgery

The branch of dentistry focused on surgical procedures involving the teeth, jaws, and oral tissues.

Orthodontics

The branch of dentistry is concerned with the prevention and correction of dental and facial irregularities, such as malocclusion and misaligned teeth.

Overbite 

A vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed.

Overjet 

The horizontal protrusion of the upper front teeth beyond the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed.

P

Palate

The roof of the mouth, consisting of the hard palate and soft palate.

Palliative

Providing temporary relief from pain or discomfort without addressing the underlying cause.

Palmer Notation

A system of tooth numbering used in dentistry, primarily in orthodontics, to designate each tooth with a unique identifier.

Panorex 

A type of dental x-ray that provides a panoramic view of the entire mouth, including the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures.

Partial denture

A removable dental prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth within a dental arch.

Pediatric Dentistry

The branch of dentistry focused on the oral health care of children from infancy through adolescence.

Periapical

Referring to the area around the apex of a tooth.

Pericoronitis 

Inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding a partially erupted tooth, often associated with wisdom teeth.

Periodontal 

Referring to the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, including the gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligaments.

Periodontal disease 

Infections and inflammatory conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis.

Periodontal pocket 

An abnormal pocket or space that forms between the gums and teeth as a result of periodontal disease.

Periodontal surgery

Surgical procedures performed to treat periodontal disease and restore or regenerate damaged gum tissue and supporting structures.

Periodontics 

The branch of dentistry focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

Periodontist

A dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and other conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

Periodontitis 

Advanced gum disease characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone tissue.

Periradicular 

Surrounding or adjacent to the roots of a tooth.

Permanent teeth 

The second set of teeth that erupt in humans, replacing the primary or baby teeth.

Pit

A small depression or cavity on the surface of a tooth, often susceptible to decay.

Plaque

A sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed regularly.

Pontic 

The artificial tooth used to replace a missing tooth in a dental bridge.

Premolar 

Another term for bicuspid, a type of tooth located between the molars and canines.

Primary teeth 

Another term for deciduous or baby teeth, the first set of teeth that erupt in humans.

Prophylaxis

The professional cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove plaque, tartar, and stains and prevent oral diseases.

Prosthesis 

An artificial device used to replace missing teeth or other oral structures, such as dentures, bridges, or dental implants.

Prosthodontics 

The branch of dentistry focused on the restoration and replacement of missing teeth and oral structures with artificial devices.

Pulp

The soft tissue located in the center of the tooth, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

Pulpectomy 

The complete removal of infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the root canal system of a tooth.

Pulpitis 

Inflammation of the dental pulp, often causing tooth pain and sensitivity.

Pulpotomy 

The surgical removal of the coronal portion of the dental pulp to relieve pain and preserve the vitality of the remaining pulp tissue.

Q

Quadrant

One of the four equal sections of the dental arch, divided by an imaginary line passing through the midline of the mouth.

R

Rebase 

The process of replacing the pink acrylic portion of a denture while retaining the existing denture teeth.

Receded gums 

Gum tissue that has pulled away from the teeth, exposing the roots and making them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.

Reline 

The process of modifying the tissue surface of a denture to improve its fit and comfort.

Replantation 

The surgical reinsertion of a tooth into its socket after it has been knocked out or avulsed.

Resorption

The loss or breakdown of bone or tooth structure due to various factors, such as inflammation, trauma, or disease.

Restoration 

A dental procedure or treatment used to repair or replace damaged or missing tooth structure, restoring function and appearance.

Retainer

A removable or fixed appliance used to maintain the position of the teeth after orthodontic treatment.

Retrograde filling

A dental procedure in which a filling material is placed in the root canal through the apex of the tooth to seal the root canal system.

Root

The portion of a tooth that is embedded in the jawbone and serves as an anchor for the tooth.

Root canal 

The natural cavity within the root of a tooth containing the dental pulp and nerve tissue.

Root canal therapy 

A dental procedure to treat infected or inflamed dental pulp by removing the pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canal system, and filling it with a sealing material.

Root planing 

A non-surgical periodontal procedure to remove plaque, tartar, and toxins from the surfaces of the tooth roots and promote healing of the surrounding gum tissue.

S

Scaling

The removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from the surfaces of the teeth and below the gumline using special instruments.

Sealant 

A thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay.

Six-year molar

Another term for first permanent molars, which typically erupt around the age of six.

Socket

The bony cavity in the jawbone where a tooth is anchored.

Space maintainer

A dental appliance used to hold space for permanent teeth to erupt properly in cases of premature tooth loss.

Stainless steel crown 

A prefabricated crown made of stainless steel used to restore primary or permanent teeth, typically in pediatric dentistry.

Subgingival scaling 

Scaling performed below the gumline to remove plaque, tartar, and toxins from the root surfaces of the teeth.

Supragingival scaling 

Scaling performed above the gumline to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the surfaces of the teeth.

Systemic

Referring to something that affects the entire body, such as systemic diseases or medications.

T

Tartar 

Hardened plaque that forms on teeth and below the gumline, also known as calculus.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

The joint that connects the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull, allowing for jaw movement and chewing.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome

A group of conditions characterized by pain, dysfunction, and inflammation of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles.

Third molar

Another term for wisdom tooth, the last molar tooth to erupt in humans, typically in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Tooth Numbering

Various systems used to designate each tooth in the mouth with a unique identifier for identification and reference purposes.

Torus

A bony growth or protuberance that may develop on the palate or along the lower jawbone.

Trismus

Limited or restricted jaw movement, often caused by muscle spasm or inflammation.

V

Veneer

A thin layer of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance.

Whitening

A cosmetic dental procedure to lighten the color of teeth and remove stains using bleaching agents or other whitening products.

Wisdom teeth 

The third set of molars that typically erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood, often requiring extraction due to crowding or impaction.

X

Xylitol

A natural sugar substitute used in some chewing gums and oral care products for its potential to reduce the risk of tooth decay

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