Glossary

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
Anesthesia-A temporary blocking the sensation of pain with medication.
Anterior Teeth-Incisors, canines (also called cuspids) on the upper and lower jaw. Front teeth.
Arch- The upper an lower jaws are commonly referred to as dental arches. The upper arch is the superior dental arch and the lower arch is the infior dental arch.
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B
Baby bottle syndrome- early childhood decay in infants and young children caused by sugars in formula, breast milk and juices.
Bicuspids-Premolar teeth between the canines and the molar teeth used to chew food.
Bitewing X-rays- X-rays used to diagnose cavities between teeth.
Bonding-Adhesion of tooth colored resin material to teeth that hardens with a special light to improve the overall appearance of teeth.
Bridge-A replacement for missing teeth that is removeable or permanently fixed
Bruxism-Grinding of that teeth that can include clenching the teeth together
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C
Calculus-a hardened, sticky substance that is formed due to the accumulation of minerals in the salivia on teeth. Also called Tartar
Canal-The inside chamber of the tooth.
Canines-the four long, pointed teeth. Also known as cuspids.
Canker sore-An Aphthous ulcer presenting as a painful lesion inside the mouth.
Caries-destruction of teeth, usually caused by lactic acid produced by bacteria. Decay
Cold sore- Herpes Labialis is an painful outbreak of infection from the herpes simplex virus that takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to heal.
Composite resin filling-a white material used to restore teeth.
Contouring-reshaping of teeth
Crown-A dental restoration that covers the exposed portion of the tooth.
Cusps-the part of the tooth that is pointed. teeth may possess one to five points.
Cuspids-Canine teeth, the pointed long teeth
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D
Dentin-An interior major component of the tooth that lies underneath the enamel
Denture-Removable false teeth that replace missing teeth
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E
Endodontics-tooth pulp procedure
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F
Fluoride-a substance used topically to a tooth to increase the strength of enamel and prevent decay
Fluorosis-A condition of over exposure of fluoride during tooth development
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G
Gingiva-The gum tissue that lies over the bone in the mouth
Gingivitis-Inflammed gum tissue as a response to bacteria and plaque in the mouth
Gum disease-Periodontal disease where tissues in the mouth are infected.
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I
Impacted teeth-embedded teeth that are totally or partially unerupted in the mouth.
Implant-a titanium sleeve placed in the jaw to support replaced missing teeth
Incisor-Front teeth on the upper and lower jaw.
Inlay-A premade dental filling
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L
Laminate Veneer-thin layer of restorative material place over a tooth.
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M
Malocclusion-teeth that are misaligned with an incorrect relationship between the upper and lower jaws.
Mandible-Lower jaw
Maxilla-Upper jaw
Molar-The rearmost teeth in the mouth on both upper and lower jaws used to grind food.
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N
Neuromuscular Dentistry-A treatment which the Temporomandibular joints are corrected due to misalignment of the jaws and joint.
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O
Onlay- A laboratory fabricated restoration that is custom-made for the patient.
Orthodontics- The specialty of dentistry concerned with the proper alignment of teeth and jaws.
Overdenture- An appliance or type of denture that is kept secure by precision dental attachments in the teeth or dental implants..
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P
Palate- The roof of inside the mouth.
Partial Denture- An appliance worn in the mouth that replaces missing teeth.
Pedodontics- The field of dentistry that focuses on children’s teeth
Permanent teeth- The second and final set of teeth that erupt after the primary teeth.
Plaque- A sticky substance that forms on the teeth between brushing and flossing.
Posterior teeth-The chewing teeth in the posterior of the mouth also called bicuspids and molars.
Primary teeth- The first set of the teeth in childhood before the final set of permanent teeth erupt.
Prophylaxis- A cleaning of your teeth
Prosthodontics-The specialty of dentistry that focuses on restoration and replacement of teeth to a more functional and optimum appearance.
Pulp-The center of the tooth made up of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.
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R
Receding gum tissue- a condition when the gums pull apart from the tooth creating pockets that trap harmful bacteria and other debris.
Resin filling- A composite filling used to restore a tooth.
Root Canal therapy- A dental procedure where the inner nerve portion of the tooth is removed, cleansed and filled.
Root planning- Cleansing and scraping below the gum line the buildup of tartar and calculus.
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S
Sealant- A solid material placed on the chewing surface of the tooth to cover the tooth and rill pits and fissures warding off dental decay.
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T
TMJ- Temporomandibular joint disorder- A syndrome involving the joint that connects the mandible to the skull. Dysfunction can result in pain and impairment.
Tarter- Hardened dental plaque. Also called calculus.
Teeth Whitening- A common procedure to lighten teeth in cosmetic dentistry.
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V
Veneer- Restorative material bonded and placed over front teeth in a thin layer to improve appearance.
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W
Whitening- Also called teeth whitening is a process that uses bleaches to lighten the color of teeth for appearance
Wisdom Teeth- The last set of molars to erupt in the mouth. Also called third molars.
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