Dental Dictionary

Abscess

A collection of pus that forms in a tissue or organ. In dentistry, an abscess is most commonly caused by a tooth infection.

Abutment

A tooth or implant that supports a dental restoration, such as a crown or bridge.

Anesthesia

A medication that causes a loss of sensation, either locally or throughout the body. In dentistry, anesthesia is used to numb the pain of dental procedures.

Anterior

In dentistry, anterior refers to the front teeth.

Apex

The tip of the root of a tooth.

Asepsis

The absence of disease-causing microorganisms. In dentistry, asepsis is maintained through the use of sterile techniques.

Attrition

The wearing away of tooth enamel due to normal wear and tear or grinding of the teeth.

Avulsed

A tooth that has been knocked out of its socket.

Bitewing

A type of dental X-ray that shows the biting surfaces of the teeth.

Bleaching

A cosmetic procedure that whitens the teeth.

Bridge

A dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth.

Bruxism

The grinding or clenching of the teeth, usually during sleep.

Canine

A sharp tooth located between the incisors and premolars.

Canker sore

A small, painful ulcer that typically appears on the inside of the cheek or on the tongue.

Caries

A tooth decay caused by the build-up of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth.

Cavity

A hole in a tooth caused by caries.

Cast

An exact replica of a tooth or part of the mouth. Casts are used in dentistry to create dental restorations, such as crowns and bridges.

Cement

A material that is used to bind dental restorations to the teeth.

Chlorhexidine

An antiseptic mouthwash that helps to prevent plaque buildup and gingivitis.

Clasp

A part of a partial denture that holds the denture in place.

Cold sore

A small, painful blister that typically appears on the lips. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Composite

A tooth-colored filling material that is used to repair small cavities.

Crossbite

A malocclusion in which the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth.

Crown

A dental restoration that covers the entire crown of a tooth. Crowns are used to restore the function and appearance of damaged or decayed teeth.

Decay

The breakdown of tooth enamel and dentin caused by the build-up of plaque.

Dentistry

The profession that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth, gums, and jaws.

Dentition

The arrangement of teeth in the mouth. Humans have two dentitions: primary dentition (baby teeth) and permanent dentition (adult teeth).

Denture

A removable artificial replacement for missing teeth.

Denturist

A dental professional who is qualified to make and fit dentures.

Desensitization

A procedure that makes teeth less sensitive to pain.

Diagnosis

The identification of a disease or disorder based on the patient’s history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

Diastema

A gap between two teeth.

Distal

Toward the back of the mouth.

Edentulous

Without teeth.

Endodontics

The specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the dental pulp and periapical tissues.

Eruption

The process of a tooth coming into the mouth.

Excision

The surgical removal of tissue.

Extruded

A tooth that has been pushed out of its socket.

Filling

A material that is used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma.

Flipper

A small, removable partial denture that is used to replace one or two missing teeth.

Floss

A thin thread of material that is used to clean between the teeth.

Fluoride

A mineral that helps to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can be applied to the teeth

Floss

A thin thread of material that is used to clean between the teeth.

Fluoride

A mineral that helps to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can be applied to the teeth topically (e.g., toothpaste, mouthwash) or systemically (e.g., fluoridated water).

Fluoride treatment

A procedure that applies fluoride to the teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride treatment can be done in the dentist’s office or at home.

Fracture

A break in a tooth. Fractures can be caused by trauma, such as a fall or a sports injury, or by excessive wear and tear.

Framework

The metal structure that supports a dental restoration, such as a crown or bridge.

Gingivitis

An inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is caused by the build-up of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth.

Hemorrhage

A loss of blood. Bleeding from the gums is a common symptom of gingivitis.

Homeostasis

The state of equilibrium in the body. Homeostasis is maintained by a number of mechanisms, including the immune system and the nervous system.

Impaction

A tooth that is unable to erupt into the mouth. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, and other problems.

Implant

A titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to support a dental restoration, such as a crown or bridge.

Impression

A mold of the teeth and gums. Impressions are used in dentistry to create dental restorations, such as crowns and bridges.

Incisal

The cutting edge of a tooth.

Incisor

A tooth with a sharp edge that is used for cutting food. Humans have four incisors on each side of the upper jaw and four incisors on each side of the lower jaw.

Inlay

A dental restoration that is placed into a prepared cavity in a tooth. Inlays are made of a variety of materials, including gold, porcelain, and composite resin.

Interproximal

Between the teeth.

Lingual

Toward the tongue.

Mesial

Toward the middle of the mouth.

Molar

A tooth with a broad, grinding surface. Humans have eight molars on each side of the upper jaw and eight molars on each side of the lower jaw.

Mouthguard

A device that is worn in the mouth to protect the teeth, gums, and jaws from injury. Mouthguards are often worn by athletes to prevent injuries to the teeth and jaws during sports.

Nightguard

A type of mouthguard that is worn at night to protect the teeth from grinding and clenching. Nightguards are often worn by people who grind their teeth at night.

Occlusion

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

Onlay

A dental restoration that covers the occlusal surface of a tooth. Onlays are made of a variety of materials, including gold, porcelain, and composite resin.

Open bite

A malocclusion in which the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed.

Orthodontics

The specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malocclusions.

Overbite

A malocclusion in which the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth.

Overhang

A part of a dental restoration that extends beyond the natural tooth structure. Overhangs can be a source of plaque accumulation and can lead to gum disease.

Palate

The roof of the mouth. The palate is made up of two bones: the hard palate and the soft palate.

Panoramic radiograph

A type of dental X-ray that shows a wide view of the teeth and jaw. Panoramic radiographs are often used to diagnose problems with the teeth, gums, and jaws.

Perforation

A hole in a tooth or other structure. Perforations can be caused by trauma, infection, or dental procedures.

Periapical

Pertaining to the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth.

Periodontics

The specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth.

Permanent teeth

The second set of teeth that humans develop.

Pin

A metal rod that is used to stabilize a tooth that has been weakened by decay or trauma.

Polish

To smooth the surface of a tooth. Polishing is done to remove stains and to make the teeth look brighter.

Pontic

A false tooth that is used to fill a gap in a dental bridge.

Post

A metal rod that is inserted into the root of a tooth to provide support for a crown or other restoration.

Posterior

Toward the back of the mouth.

Preauthorization

The process of getting approval from an insurance company before a dental procedure can be performed.

Premedication

The administration of medication before a dental procedure to reduce anxiety or pain.

Premolar

A tooth with a broad, grinding surface that is located between the canines and the molars. Humans have four premolars on each side of the upper jaw and four premolars on each side of the lower jaw.

Prescription

A written order from a doctor or dentist for a medication.

Primary teeth

The first set of teeth that humans develop. Primary teeth are also known as baby teeth.

Prophylaxis

The prevention of disease. In dentistry, prophylaxis refers to the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth to prevent gum disease.

Prosthesis

A replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. Prostheses can be made of a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, and acrylic.

Prosthodontics

The specialty of dentistry that deals with the replacement of missing teeth.

Pulp

The soft tissue that lies inside the tooth and contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

Pulpectomy

A procedure to remove the pulp from a tooth. Pulpectomy is often performed to treat a tooth that has been infected.

Pulpotomy

A procedure to remove the infected part of the pulp from a tooth. Pulpotomy is often performed to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay.

Radiograph

An image of the inside of the body that is created by using X-rays. Radiographs are often used in dentistry to diagnose problems with the teeth, gums, and jaws.

Recall

A scheduled appointment with a dentist to check for problems and to provide preventive care.

Recementation

The process of bonding a dental restoration back to the tooth. Recementation is often necessary if a dental restoration has become loose.

Restoration

A procedure to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma. Restorations can be made of a variety of materials, including gold, porcelain, and composite resin.

Retainer

A device that is worn after orthodontic treatment to keep the teeth in their new positions.

Retreatment

A procedure to treat a problem that has not been resolved by previous treatment. Retreatment is often necessary for problems such as recurrent caries or failed root canals.

Root

The part of a tooth that is embedded in the jawbone.

Root canal

A procedure to remove the infected pulp from the root of a tooth. Root canals are often performed to save teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma.

Root planing

A procedure to remove plaque and tartar from the root surfaces of teeth. Root planing is often performed to treat gum disease.

Rubber dam

A piece of rubber that is stretched over the teeth to isolate them from the rest of the mouth. Rubber dams are often used in dentistry to provide a clean and dry field for dental procedures.

Scaling

The removal of plaque and tartar from the crowns of teeth. Scaling is often performed as part of a dental cleaning.

Sealant

A thin coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to protect them from decay. Sealants are often applied to children’s teeth to help prevent cavities.

Sedation

A medication that is used to make a patient drowsy or unconscious. Sedation is often used in dentistry to make dental procedures more comfortable for patients.

Space maintainer

A device that is used to keep the space open between teeth that have been lost. Space maintainers are often used in children to prevent the teeth from shifting out of place.

Splint

A device that is used to hold teeth together. Splints are often used to stabilize teeth that have been fractured or that have been moved during orthodontic treatment.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

The joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. The TMJ is responsible for opening and closing the mouth.

Torus

A bony growth that can form on the roof of the mouth or on the jawbone. Torus are often painless and do not require treatment.

Veneer

A thin layer of porcelain or composite resin that is bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers are often used to cover stains, chips, or cracks in teeth.

Wisdom tooth

The third molar tooth. Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth and are often the last teeth to erupt. Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause problems, such as crowding or impacted teeth.

Xerostomia

A dry mouth. Xerostomia can be caused by a number of factors, including medications, medical conditions, and aging. Xerostomia can make it difficult to eat, speak, and swallow.