de Windt Dentistry - 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
Abrasion - loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique, or Bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).
Abscess - an infection of a tooth, soft tissue or bone
Abutment - tooth or teeth that support a fixed or removable bridge
Adhesive Dentistry - contemporary term for dental restorations that involve "bonding" of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth
Air Abrasion - removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive, a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for anesthetic
Allergy - unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug
Alveolar Bone - the jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth
Amalgam - a most common filling material, also known as "silver fillings," containing mercury (app 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc used for fillings
Analgesia - a state of pain relief; an agent lessening pain
Anesthesia - partial or complete elimination of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness
Anterior Teeth - the six upper or six lower front teeth
Antibiotic - a drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria
ANUG - an acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent's disease, aggravated by stress and/or smoking
Apex - the tip of the root of a tooth
Apicoectomy - surgical removal of the root tip (Apex) to treat a dead tooth
Arch - describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth
Attrition - loss of structure due to natural wear
Base - cement placed under a dental restoration to insulate the pulp (nerve chamber)
Bicuspid or Pre-molar - transitional teeth behind the cuspids
Bifurcation (Trifurcation) - juncture of two (three) roots in posterior teeth
Biopsy - removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination
Bite - relationship of the upper and lower teeth on closure (occlusion)
Bite Wings - a type of X-rays that allow us to obtain view of specific teeth. They are called Bite-Wing because the X-ray film holder provides a surface for you to bite down on in order to hold the X-ray securely in place.
Black Hairy Tongue - elongated papillae on the tongue, promoting the growth of microorganisms
Bleaching - chemical or laser treatment of natural teeth for whitening effect
Block Injection - anesthesia of a nerve trunk that covers a large area of the jaw; a mandibular block injection produce numbness of the lower jaw, teeth, half the tongue
Bonding - adhesive dental restoration technique; a tooth-colored composite resin to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth
Bone Resorption - decrease in bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of periodontal (gum disease)
Braces - devices used by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth to a more favorable alignment
Bridge - 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
Bruxism - grinding or gnashing of the teeth, most commonly while the patient is asleep
Bruxomania - persistent "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient is awake
Calcium - chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves
Calculus - hard residue, commonly known as "tarter," that forms on teeth due to inadequate
plaque control, often stained yellow or brown
Canker Sore - mouth sore appearing whitish, often with a red halo, of ten to fourteen day duration
Cantilever Bridge - fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth only on one end
Cap - common term for dental crown
Caries - tooth decay or "cavities"
Cast or Model - reproduction of structures made by pouring plaster or stone into a mold
Cavitron - dental tool that uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to clean teeth
Cellulitis - soft tissue infection causing extensive, hard swelling, a potentially dangerous condition requiring immediate attention
Cementum - hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth
Chart - log of dental or medical records
Clasp - device that retains a removable partial denture to stationary teeth
Cleaning - removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line
Composite Resin - material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles; usually cured with filtered light or chemical catalyst
Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Dentistry - treatments performed to enhance appearance; not a recognized specialty
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) - Artificial procedures employed by a rescuer after cessation of breathing or heart stoppage
Cross Bite - reverse biting relationship of upper and lower teeth; aka "under bite," as in Class III malocclusuion (prognathic jaw)
Crown - (1) the portion of a tooth above the gum line; (2) dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth
Curettage - removal of diseased tissue from a periodintal pocket
Cusp - mound on posterior teeth
Cuspid or Canine - the four "eye teeth"
Cyst - a soft or hard tissue sac, hard or filled with fluid
DDS - Doctor of Dental Surgery - equivalent to DMD
DMD - Doctor of Medical Dentistry - equivalent to DDS
Decay - destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria
Deciduous Teeth - commonly called "baby teeth," the first set of (usually) twenty teeth
Dentin - inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel
Dental Implant - a (usually) titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental restoration or appliance
Dentition - the arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth
Denture - removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth
Denturism - the production of dentures dispensed directly by laboratory technicians
Diastema - space between teeth
Enamel - hard tissue covering the portion of tooth above the gum line
Endodontist - specialist who treats injuries, diseases and infections of the tooth pulp (nerve chamber)
Epidemiology - study of the incidence of disease in a population
Eruption - process of teeth protruding through the gums
Exfoliate - process of shedding deciduous (baby) teeth
Exodontia - practice of dental extractions
Explorer - sharp instrument used to detect decay on the surface of teeth
Extraction - removal of a tooth
Eyeteeth - the four upper and lower canine (cuspid) teeth
Facing - tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown; may be acrylic, composite or porcelain
FAGD - Fellowship Academy of General Dentistry
Filling - restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain or resin materials
Fistula - channel emanating pus from an infection site; a gum boil
Flap Surgery - lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures
Freeway Space - distance between the upper and lower teeth with the lower jaw in rest position
Forceps - instrument used for removal of teeth
Forensic Dentistry - practice of gathering legal evidence for body identification or judicial issues
Fossa - valley found on the surface of posterior teeth
Full Denture - removable dental prosthesis (appliance) replacing all upper or lower teeth
Full Mouth Reconstruction - extensive restorations of natural teeth with crowns and or fixed bridges to manage bite problems.
Frenectomy - removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth
GTR (guided tissue regeneration) - a new technique for replacing bone tissue
General Anesthesia - controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of pain sensation, protective reflexes, and the ability to respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command
Geographic Tongue - benign changes in the usual color and texture of tongue; does not require treatment
Gingiva - gum tissue
Gingivectomy - surgical removal of gum tissue
Gingivitis - inflammation of gum tissue
Gum Boil - See fistula.
Gum Recession - exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, periodontal disease or surgery
Halitosis - bad breath of oral or gastrointestinal origin
Heimlich Maneuver - technique employed by rescuer for obstruction of victim's airway
Hematoma - swelling of effused blood beneath tissue surface
HMO or DMO - health (dental) maintenance organization which specifies a health care (dental) provider a patient may see. Profitability depends on minimization of treatment.
Hydrogen Peroxide - disinfecting solution used in dental irrigation procedures or as mouth rinse
Hygienist - dental auxiliary who cleans teeth and provides patient education; administers local anesthetic, nitrous oxide and performs periodontal scaling
Hyperemia - increased blood flow; may cause dental sensitivity to temperature and sweets; may precede an abscess
Impaction - partial or completely unexposed tooth that is wedged against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue, precluding the eruption process
Implant - artificial device replacing tooth root; may anchor an artificial tooth, bridge,
or denture
Impression - mold made of the teeth and soft tissues
Incision and Drainage - surgical incision of an abscess to drain suppuration (pus)
Incisors - four upper and four lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth)
Infiltration - local anesthetic procedure effective for upper teeth and soft tissue; placement of anesthetic under the gum, allowing it to seep into bone
Inlay - indirect - filling made by a dental laboratory that is cemented or bonded into place, direct - placement of dental composite resin restoration at chairside
Interproximal - surfaces of adjoining teeth
Interocclusal - space between upper and lower teeth
Intraoral Camera - a small video camera used to view and magnify oral conditions; images may be printed
Jacket - crown for a front tooth, usually made of porcelain
Laminate - thin plastic or porcelain veneer produced in a dental laboratory and then bonded to a tooth
Laughing Gas - nitrous oxide; odorless inhalation agent that produces relative analgesic (sedation); reduces anxiety and creates a state of relaxation
Lesion - injury of bodily tissue due to infection, trauma or neoplasm
Local Anesthesia - partial or complete elimination of pain sensation, in the immediate vicinity of its application or injection
Malocclusion - "bad bite" or misalignment of the upper and lower teeth
Managed Care - program whereby patient-dentist assignment and dentist reimbursement is administered by a separate, external organization
Mandible - the lower jaw
Margin - interface between a restoration and tooth structure
MAGD - Masters Academy of General Dentistry
Maryland Bridge - a bridge that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth; requires minimum tooth reduction
Mastication - process of chewing food
Maxilla - the upper jaw
Meniscus - capsular cushion between temporomandibluar joint and glenoid fossa
Milk Teeth - deciduous (baby) teeth
Molars - three back teeth in each dental quadrant used for grinding food.
Moniliasis (Thrush) - opportunistic fungal infection after administration of antibiotic; not uncommon in the mouth
Mucogingival Junction (MGJ) - meeting of thick, protective gingival tissue around the teeth and the friable mucous lining of the cheeks and lips
NSAID - non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often used as a dental analgesic
Nerve - tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, position information to the brain
Nerve (Root) Canal - dental pulp; the internal chamber of a tooth
Night Guard - acrylic appliance used to prevent wear and temporomandibular damage caused by grinding or gnashing of the teeth during sleep
Nitrous Oxide - a gas used to reduce patient anxiety
Novocain - older brand name for a local anesthetic, currently replaced by safer, more effective agents
Occlusion - closure; relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure
Onlay - laboratory produced restoration covering one or more cusps of a tooth
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon - a dental specialist who manages the diagnosis & surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures; Requires four additional years of training after dental school
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws
Oral Cavity - the mouth
Oral Hygiene - process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures
Oral Pathologist - dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases
Orthodontics - dental specialty that treats misalignment of teeth
Osseous - bony
Overbite - vertical overlap of the front teeth
Overdenture - denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants
Overjet - horizontal overlap of the front teeth
Palate - hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth
Palliative Treatment - non invasive relief of irritating conditions
Parasthesia - a partial loss of sensation; may be temporary or permanent
Partial Denture - removable dental prosthesis (appliance) replacing one or more natural teeth
Pathology - study of disease
Periapical (PA) - region at the end of the roots of teeth
Periodontal Surgery - recontouring or esthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue
Periodontist - dental specialist treating the gums and supporting soft and hard tissues retaining natural teeth and the surgical placement of dental implants
Pedodontics or Pediatric Dentistry - dental specialty focusing on treatment of children
Periodontal Chart - record measuring the depth of gum pockets around the teeth
Permanent Teeth - (usually) thirty-two adult teeth in a complete dentition
Pit - a small defect in the tooth enamel; junction of four formative lobes of a developing tooth
Placebo - inert medication or treatment that produces psychological benefit
Plaque - soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth; composed of bacteria and food debris due to inadequate dental hygiene
Pontic - replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance
Porcelain Crown - all porcelain restoration covering the coronal portion of tooth (above the gum line)
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crown - restoration with metal coping (for strength) covered by porcelain (for appearance)
Porcelain Inlay or Onlay - tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place
Porcelain Veneers - a thin layer of porcelain, fabricated by a laboratory) bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape
Post - thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy; provides retention for a "coping" that replaces lost tooth structure and retains crown
Post-Core - post and buildup to replace lost tooth structure and retain crown
Post-Crown - single structure that combines post-core and crown
PPO or PDO - preferred provider (dental) organization which a health care (dental) provider may join, offering fee for service treatment at reduced fees
Prognosis - the anticipated outcome of treatment
Prophylaxis - cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth decay
Prosthesis - an artificial appliance for the replacement for a body part
Prosthodontist - dental specialist skilled in restoring or replacing teeth with fixed or removable prosthesis (appliance), maintaining proper occlusion; treats facial deformities with artificial prostheses such as eyes, ears, and noses
Pulp - the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside a tooth
Pulp Cap - a medicated covering over a small area of exposed pulp tissue
Pulp Chamber - the center or innermost portion of the tooth containing the pulp
Pulpectomy - complete removal of the pulp (commonly done in children's teeth)
Pulpitis - inflammation of the pulp; common cause of toothache
Pulpotomy - partial removal of the pulp tissue
Pyorrhea - older term for periodontal (gum) disease
Reimplantation - insertion and temporary fixation of partially or completely avulsed tooth or teeth, resulting from traumatic injury
Reline - acrylic restoration of denture base to compensate for bone loss; direct: done at chairside; indirect: in conjunction with a dental laboratory
Restoration - replacement of portion of a damaged tooth
Retained Root - partial root structure remaining in jaw after extraction or fracture of a natural tooth
Root - tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw
Root Canal - common term for root canal therapy, also the interior space of the tooth root
Root Canal Therapy - process of removing pulp of a tooth and filling it with an inert material
Root Resection - removal of a portion of diseased root structure, retaining the remaining natural tooth
Rubber Dam - soft latex sheet used to establish isolation of one or more teeth from contamination by oral fluids and to keep materials from falling to the back of the throat
Saliva - clear lubricating fluid in the mouth containing water, enzymes, bacteria, mucus, viruses, blood cells and undigested food particles
Saliva Ejector - suction tube placed in the mouth to remove saliva
Salivary Glands - located under tongue and in cheeks, produce saliva
Scaling and Root Planing - meticulous removal of plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces
Sealants - thin resin material bonded in the pits and fissures of back teeth for the prevention of decay
Secondary Dentin - reparative tooth structure produced by the pulp in response to tooth irritation
Sequstrum - loosened spicule of bone pushed to the surface
Sinusitis - inflammation of the sinus that may mimic dental pain
Sleep Apnea - the periodic interruption or delay in breathing during sleep
Space Maintainer - dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth
Splint - connection of two or more teeth so they function as a stronger single structure
Supernumerary Tooth - extra tooth
Suppuration - bacterial contamination of tissue exudate; pus
Tartar - common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth; produces rough surface that attracts plaque
Temperomandibular Disorder (TMD or TMJ disorder) - term given to condition characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open or move the jaw
TMJ - the temporomandibular joint, the point where the lower jaw attaches to the skull
Third-party Provider - insurance company, union, government agency that pays all or a part of cost of dental treatment
Tooth Bud - early embryonic structure that becomes a tooth
Tooth Whitening - a chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth
Topical Anesthetic - ointment that produces mild anesthesia when applied to tissue surface
Torus - common bony protuberance on the palate or lower jaw
Transplant - placing a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth
Trauma - injury caused by external force, chemical, temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment
Trench Mouth - gum disease characterized by severe mouth sores and loss of tissue. See ANUG.
Unerupted Tooth - a tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the dental arch
Veneer - plastic or porcelain facing bonded directly to a tooth to improve its appearance. See laminate.
Vertical Dimension - arbitrary space between upper and lower jaws upon closure; may decrease over time due to wear, shifting or damage to the teeth
Wisdom Teeth - third (last) molars that usually erupt at age 18-25 (when "wisdom is attained")
Xerostomia - dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva
~ Courtesy of the American Dental Association
