Glossary of Dental Terms
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
- A -
Abscess: an infected, inflamed area containing pus, usually caused by problem tooth.
Abutment: A tooth or root that is fitted with a crown to support a bridge or partial denture.
Alloy: a mixture of two or more metals. Several alloys are used to repair teeth: noble (mostly silver), high noble (mostly gold) and "base" metals. The cost of a filling or crown depends on which alloy is used.
Amalgam: a metal alloy used in filling cavities.
- B -
Base Metal: metal alloys used for partials or crowns which contain no precious metals.
Bitewing x-ray: films of upper and lower teeth used to check for decay between teeth and under gums
Bonding: a cosmetic procedure that restores damaged teeth.
Bridge: a non-removable replacement for missing teeth made with crowns and pontics.
- C -
Cavity: tooth decay caused by bacteria which, if not treated, can destroy the tooth.
Cephalometric x-ray: used to make precise measurements for braces.
Crown: an artificial tooth or cap which covers a tooth weakened by decay.
- D -
Denture: an artificial substitute for natural teeth and surrounding tissues.
Diagnostic photographs: pictures taken by the dentist to plan treatment, particularly for braces.
Diagnostic cast: a mold or "study model" of the mouth made by taking an impression of the teeth
- E -
Endodontics: the treatment of tooth pulp disease and infections of the root canal
- F -
Filling: a durable material (gold, a resin, or amalgam) used to fill a cavity and halt decay.
Fluoride: a compound used in water and dental products and procedures to reduce tooth decay.
Full mouth x-rays: 12 to 18 films taken when needed to check on dental disease.
- G -
Gingiva: gum tissue.
Gingivectomy: the surgical removal of diseased or inflamed gum tissue.
Gingivitis: an early stage of gum disease that causes inflammation.
- I -
Impacted tooth: a tooth that does not come through the gum normally.
Inlay: a precision cast filling, usually made of gold or porcelain, covering
- M -
Malocclusion: an abnormal alignment of the teeth.
- O -
Onlay: a precision case filling that is cemented in a prepared cavity, usually made of gold or porcelain.
Oral Surgery: a dental specialty limited to the surgical removal of teeth, and the treatment of disease, deformities, and defects of the jaws and associated structures.
Orthodontics: the alignment of teeth, usually through the use of braces.
Osseous Surgery: repair of the bone structure, supporting the teeth, that has been damaged by gum disease.
- P -
Panoramic x-ray: a complete view of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding bone on one film.
Partial denture: removable artificial teeth that keep the remaining natural teeth from changing position and improves chewing ability.
Pediatric dentistry: a dental specialty limited to treatment of children from birth through adolescence.
Pedicle x-ray: close-up of an individual tooth and the surrounding tissue.
Periapical x-ray: close-up of an individual tooth and the surrounding tissue.
Periodontal disease: gum disease
Periodontics: the prevention and treatment of gum disease.
Periodontitis: a more severe gum disease that can lead to tooth loss in adults.
Plaque: a sticky, nearly clear layer of bacteria on teeth.
Pontic: an artificial tooth used in bridges.
Prophylaxis: a teeth cleaning to remove tartar, plaque and stains.
Prosthodontics: a dental specialty limited to the restoration of the natural teeth and/or the replacement of missing teeth.
Pulp: the live tissue within the tooth.
Pulp capping: the use of medicine on a decayed part of a tooth to protect the pulp and help healing.
Pulpotomy: partial or complete removal of damaged dental pulp to relieve pain. A root canal is usually recommended to save the tooth.
- Q -
Quadrant: one-fourth of the mouth
- R -
Reline: to add new material on the underside of a denture to improve the fit and chewing ability.
Resin filling: a tooth colored plastic material used instead of alloys for a less noticeable, more natural appearance.
Root Canal: a treatment used on a tooth with damaged pulp to stop infection and save the tooth. The pulp is completely removed, the inside of the tooth is sterilized and sealed to prevent infection.
- S -
Scaling and root planning: a thorough cleaning of tooth surfaces below the gum line to eliminate inflammation and control disease, usually performed during several visits and under local anesthetic.
Sealant: a plastic coating applied to teeth to prevent decay.
- T -
Tartar: mineralized, hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing.
Temporomandibular joints: the left and right hinges that connect the jaw with the skull.
Tooth surface: one of the five sides of a tooth above the gum line.