Abscess
Abscess is an infection of a tooth, soft tissue or bone.
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Abutment
An abutment is a tooth or teeth on either side of a missing tooth that support a fixed or removable bridge.
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Acrylic Resin
Acrylic Resin is the plastic that is widely used in dentistry.
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ADA Seal of Acceptance
The ADA Seal of Acceptance is a designation awarded to products that have met American Dental Association's criteria for safety and effectiveness and whose packaging and advertising claims are scientifically supported.
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Adjustment
Adjustment refers to a modification made upon a dental prosthesis after it has been completed and inserted into the mouth.
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Air Abrasion/Micro Abrasion
Abrasion is a drill-free technique that blasts the tooth surface with air and an abrasive. This is a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for an anesthetic and can be used to remove tooth decay, old composite restorations and superficial stains and discolorations, and prepare a tooth surface for bonding or sealants.
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Alveolar Bone
The Alveolar Bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth, anchoring it in place; loss of this bone is typically associated with severe periodontal (gum) disease.
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Amalgam
Amalgam is a common filling material used to repair cavities. The material, also known as "silver fillings," contains mercury in combination with silver, tin, copper and sometimes zinc.
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Anaerobic Bacteria
Anaerobic Bacteria is a bacteria that do not need oxygen to grow; they are generally associated with periodontal disease (see below).
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Analgesia
Analesia is a state of pain relief; an agent for lessening pain.
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Anesthesia
Anesthesia is a type of medication that results in partial or complete elimination of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness.
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Antibiotic
An Antibiotic is a drug that stops or slowpoulins the growth of bacteria.
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Antiseptic
Antiseptic is a chemical agent that can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs.
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Apex
Apex refers to the tip of the root of a tooth.
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Appliance
AnAppliance is any removable dental restoration or orthodontic device.
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Arch
An Arch is a description of the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.
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Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is decay in infants and children, most often affecting the upper front teeth, caused by sweetened liquids given and left clinging to the teeth for long periods (for example, in feeding bottles or pacifiers).
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Bicuspid
Bicuspid is the fourth and fifth teeth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth. These are the back teeth that are used for chewing; they only have two points (cusps). Adults have eight bicuspids (also called premolars), two in front of each group of molars.
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Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a relaxation technique that involves learning how to better cope with pain and stress by altering behavior, thoughts, and feelings.
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Biopsy
A Biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for diagnostic examination.
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Bite
Bite refers to the relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure (occlusion).
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Bite-wing
A Bite-wing is a single X-ray that shows teeth (from crown to about the level of the supporting bone) in a select area on the same film.
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Bleaching
Bleaching is a chemical or laser treatment of natural teeth that uses peroxide to produce the whitening effect.
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Bonding
Bonding is the covering of a tooth surface with a tooth-colored composite to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth, for instance, due to stain or damage.
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Bone Resorption
Bone Resorption is a decrease in the amount of bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of periodontal (gum) disease.
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Braces
Braces are devices (bands, wires, ceramic appliances) put in place by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth to a more favorable alignment.
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Bridge
A Bridge is a stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth adjacent to a space; replaces one or more missing teeth, cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space. Also called a fixed partial denture.
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Bruxism
Bruxism is the grinding or gnashing of the teeth, most commonly during sleep.
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Calcium
Calcium is an element needed for the development of healthy teeth, bones, and nerves.
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Calculus
Calculus are hard, calcium-like deposits that form on teeth due to inadequate plaque control, often stained yellow or brown. Also called "tartar."
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Canker Sore
Canker Sores are small shallow ulcers that appear in the mouth and often make eating and talking uncomfortable; they typically appear in people between the ages of 10 and 20 and last about a week in duration before disappearing.
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Cap
A Cap is a common term for a dental crown.
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Caries
Caries are areas of tooth decay or "cavities."
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Cementum
Cementum is the hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth.
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Clasp
A Clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture to stationary teeth.
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Cleaning
A Cleaning is the removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line.
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Cleft Lip
A Clft Lip is a physical split or separation of the two sides of the upper lip that appears as a narrow opening or gap in the skin of the upper lip. This separation often extends beyond the base of the nose and includes the bones of the upper jaw and/or upper gum.
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Cleft Palate
A Cleft Palate is a split or opening in the roof of the mouth.
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Composite Resin Filling
Composite Resin Fillings are tooth-colored restorative material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles; usually "cured" or hardened with filtered light or chemical catalyst. An alternative to silver amalgam fillings.
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Conventional Denture
A Conventional Denture is a denture that is ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
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Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Dentistry
Cosmetic or Aesthetic Dentistry is a branch of dentistry under which treatments are performed to enhance the color and shape of teeth.
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Crown
A Crown refers to (1) the portion of a tooth above the gum line that is covered by enamel;(2) dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth; the artificial cap can be made of porcelain, composite or metal and is cemented on top of the damaged tooth.
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Cuspids
Cuspid is the third tooth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth. These are the front teeth that have one rounded or pointed edge used for biting. Also known as canines.
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Cusps
Cusps are the high points on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
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Cyst
Cyst is an abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or a semisolid material.
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DDS
DDS is an acronym that stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery -- equivalent to DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine.
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Decay
Decay is the destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.
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Deciduous Teeth
Deciduous Teeth is commonly called "baby teeth" or primary teeth; the first set of (usually) 20 teeth.
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Demineralization
Demineralization is loss of mineral from tooth enamel just below the surface in a carious lesion; usually appears as a white area on the tooth surface.
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Dentin
Dentin is the inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel.
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Denture
Denture is a removable replacement of artificial teeth for missing natural teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available -- complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
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DMD
DMD is an acroynm that stands for Doctor of Medical Dentistry; equivalent to DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery.
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Dry mouth
Dry Mouth is a condition in which the flow of saliva is reduced and there is not enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. Dry mouth can be the result of certain medications (such as antihistamines and decongestants), certain diseases (such as Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes), certain medical treatments (such as head and neck radiation), as well as nerve damage, dehydration, tobacco use, and surgical removal of the salivary glands.
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Dry socket
Dry Socket is a common complication that occurs when either a blood clot has failed to form in an extracted tooth socket or else the blood clot that did form has been dislodged.
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Edentulous
Edentulous is the state of having no teeth.
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Enamel
Enamel is the hard, mineralized material that covers the outside portion of the tooth that lies above the gum line (the crown).
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Endodontics
Endodontics is a field of dentistry concerned with the biology and pathology of the dental pulp and root tissues of the tooth and with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of these tissues. A root canal is a commonly performed endodontic procedure.
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Endodontist
Endodontist is a dental specialist concerned with the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the human dental pulp or the nerve of the tooth.
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Eruption
Eruption is the emergence of the tooth from its position in the jaw.
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Extraction
Extraction is the removal of a tooth.
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Filling
A Filling is restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain or resin materials.
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Fistula
A Fistula is a channel emanating pus from an infection site; a gum boil.
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Flap Surgery
Flap Surgery is the lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures.
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Flossing
Flossing is the act of using a thread-like material to clean between the contact areas of teeth; a part of a good daily oral hygiene plan.
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Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen teeth enamel making teeth less susceptible to decay. Fluoride is ingested through food or water, is available in most toothpastes, or can be applied as a gel or liquid to the surface of teeth by a dentist.
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Fluorosis
Flurosis is the discoloration of the enamel due to too much fluoride ingestion (greater than one [1] part per million) into the bloodstream, also called enamel mottling.
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General Dentist
A General Dentist is the primary care dental provider. This dentist diagnoses, treats and manages overall oral health care needs, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education.
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Gingiva
Gingiva is the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth; the pink tissue around the teeth.
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Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy is the surgical removal of gum tissue.
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Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflamed, swollen and reddish gum tissue the may bleed easily when touched or brushed. Is the first step in a series of events that begins with plaque build up in the mouth and may end -- if not properly treated -- with periodontitis and tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth.
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Gingivoplasty
Gingivoplasty is a procedure performed by periodontists to reshape the gum tissue.
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Gold Fillings
A Gold Filling is an alternative to silver amalgam fillings.
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Gum Recession
Gum Recession is the exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, periodontal disease, or surgery.
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Gutta Percha
Gutta Percha is a material used in the filling of root canals.
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Halitosis
Halitosis is the condition of bad breath of oral or gastrointestinal origin.
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Handpiece
Hanpiece is the instrument used to hold and revolve burs in dental operations.
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Hard Palate
The Hard Palate is the bony front portion of the roof of the mouth.
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Hygienist
A Hygienist is a licensed, auxiliary dental professional who is both an oral health educator and clinician who uses preventive, therapeutic, and educational methods to control oral disease.
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Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity is a sharp, sudden painful reaction in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, sour, salty, chemical, or mechanical stimuli.
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Immediate Denture
Immediate Denture is a complete or partial denture that is made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the natural teeth are removed.
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Impacted Tooth
An Impacted Tooth a tooth that is partially or completely blocked from erupting through the surface of the gum. An impacted tooth may push other teeth together or damage the bony structures supporting the adjacent tooth. Often times, impacted teeth must be surgically removed.
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Implant
An Implant is a metal rod (usually made of bio-compatiable titanium) that is surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone where a tooth is missing; it serves as the tooth root and anchor for the crown, bridge, or denture that is placed over it.
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Impression
An Impression is a mold made of the teeth and soft tissues.
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Incision and Drainage
Incision and Drainage is a surgical incision of an abscess to drain suppuration (pus).
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Incisors
Incisors are four upper and four lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth). These teeth are used primarily for biting and cutting.
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Inlay
An Inlay is similar to a filling but the entire work lies within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of the tooth.
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Jawbone
The Jawbone is the hard bone that supports the face and includes alveolar bone, which anchors the teeth.
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Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek. It is the mouth's reaction to chronic irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth.
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Malocclusion
Malocclusion is a "bad bite" or misalignment of the teeth or jaws.
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Mandible
The Mandible is the lower jaw.
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Maxilla
Maxilla is the upper jaw.
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Mercury
Mercury is a metal component of amalgam fillings.
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Molars
Molars are the three back teeth in each dental quadrant used for grinding food.
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Mouthguard
A Mouthguard is a soft-fitted device that is inserted into the mouth and worn over the teeth to protect them against impact or injury.
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Muscle relaxant
A Muscle Relaxant is a type of medication often prescribed to reduce stress.
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Nerve
A Nerve is a tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, position information to the brain.
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Nerve (root) canal
Nerve Root Canal is the dental pulp; the internal chamber of a tooth where the nerves and blood vessels pass.
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Night Guard
A Night Guard is a removable acrylic appliance that fits over the upper and lower teeth used to prevent wear and temporomandibular damage caused by grinding or gnashing of the teeth during sleep.
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Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is a gas (also called laughing gas) used to reduce patient anxiety.
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NSAID
NSAID is an acronymn that stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often used as a dental analgesic.
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Occlusal X-rays
Occlusal X-rays are X-rays that show the full tooth development and placement. Each X-ray reveals the entire arch of teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
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Occlusion
Occlusion is the relationship of the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.
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Onlay
Onlay is a type of restoration (filling) made of metal, porcelain, or acrylic that is more extensive than an inlay in that it covers one or more cusps. Onlays are sometimes called partial crowns.
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Oral Cavity
Oral Cavity refers to the mouth.
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Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist
A Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist is a oral health care provider who specializes in the production and interpretation of all types of X-ray images and data that are used in the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region.
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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery are surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws.
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Oral Hygiene
Oral Hygiene is a process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures.
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