Dental Speak

Every job has its own language, and Dentistry is no different. Words that we use to describe your teeth and oral conditions may seem like gobbledygook to you, while having perfect meaning for us. Well we don’t want to talk over your head or to appear to talk down to you - so here we have ‘Dental Speak and Other Terms’ for you.

• Terms
• Reference Pictures

TEETH AND ANATOMICAL NAMES:

Anterior Teeth (Incisors):

Central - The two upper and two lower teeth in the very center of your mouth.
Lateral - The teeth just adjacent to the centrals.
Cuspid - The pointy teeth just behind the laterals. These teeth have one cuspal (cusps). Cuspids are also called canines.

Posterior Teeth:

First Bicuspid (Premolar) - The teeth just behind the cuspids. These teeth have two cuspals (cusps).
Second Bicuspid (Premolar) - The teeth just behind the first bicuspids. These teeth also have two cuspals (cusps).
First Molar (6 year molar) - The teeth just behind the second bicuspids. These teeth have a level surface with four or five cuspals (cusps).
Second Molar (12 year molar) - The teeth just behind the first. These teeth also have a level surface with four cuspals (cusps).
Third Molar (Wisdom Tooth) - The teeth just behind the second molars. These teeth also have a level surface with three or four cuspals (cusps).
Deciduous Teeth - Your primary, or "baby teeth" The first set of teeth, which come in.
Secondary Teeth - Your permanent teeth, The second group of teeth to come in; replacing the deciduous teeth.
Mixed Dentition - The situation when both deciduous and permanent teeth are present.
Universal Numerical Notation for Teeth. - In this notation, your upper right third molar is designated as tooth #1, and then you number each tooth sequentially moving right to left and down across your mouth to the lower right third molar as #32.

TOOTH PARTS AND ANATOMIC DESCRIPTORS:

Apex - The very bottom of the root of your tooth.
Apical - Towards the apex of the root.
Arch - Collectively, the teeth and the basal bone of either jaw.
Axial - Pertaining to the long axis of the tooth.
Bicuspid - A premolar tooth; a tooth with two cusps.
Buccal Surface - The tooth surface of posterior teeth, which is next to your cheeks, opposite of lingual.
Cementum - A bony substance covering the root of a tooth.
Cementoenamel Junction - A curved line formed by the junction of the enamel and cementum of a tooth.
Cervical - towards the cementoenamel junction of a tooth.
Cingulum - A bulbous convexity on the cervical third of the lingual surface of an anterior tooth.
Crown - The part of your tooth above your gumline.
Crown: Anatomical Crown - That portion of tooth normally covered by, and including, enamel.
Crown: Clinical Crown - That portion of a tooth not covered by supporting gum tissues.
Cusp or Cuspal - The chewing or tearing points of the cuspids, bicuspids, and molars.
Dentin - The part of the tooth directly underneath the enamel and cementum. It is softer, contains more water, and has microscopic nerve endings. Dentin is much more susceptible to decay, and abrasion from tooth brushing.
Distal Surface - The tooth surface facing away from the median line following the curve of the dental arch; opposite of mesial.
Enamel - The hard crystalline tissue covering the dentin of the anatomic crown of the tooth. The hardest substance in the human body.
Facial Surface - The tooth surface facing the lips (Labial) or cheeks (Buccal).
Furcation - The area of the tooth where the root trunk divides into individual roots.
Incisal - The biting edge of your central and lateral teeth.
Incisor - Anterior tooth, central, lateral or cuspid.
Interproximal - The space between adjacent teeth
Labial Surface - The tooth surface next to your lips; opposite of lingual.
Lingual Surface - The tooth surface next to your tongue; opposite of facial.
Line Angle - The angle formed by the junction of two tooth surfaces along a line.
Mesial Surface - The tooth surface facing towards the median line following the curve of the dental arch; opposite of distal.
Midline - A plane through the very center of your mouth perpendicular to your nose.
Molar - Teeth posterior to the premolars (bicuspids) on either side of the jaw; grinding teeth, having large crowns and broad chewing surfaces.
Occlusal Surface - The chewing or grinding surface of the bicuspid and molar teeth which contact the surfaces of opposing teeth or opposing occlusion rims.
Occlusal plane - the imaginary surface on which upper and lower teeth meet.
Periapical - Area adjacent to the tip of the root.
Posterior - Refers to teeth and tissues towards the back of the mouth (distal to the canines): maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars.
Proximal Surface - Refers to the surfaces of teeth that touch the next tooth; the space between adjacent teeth is the interproximal space.
Pulp - The soft inner structure of a tooth, consisting of nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels.
Pulp Chamber - The soft inner structure of a tooth inside the anatomic crown attached o the pulp canal(s).
Pulp Canal - The area of pulp tissue inside the roots of the tooth attached to the pulp chamber.
Pulp Cavity - The space within a tooth, which contains the pulp.
Quadrants - The four parts of your mouth, that is the, the upper right(quadrant 1), upper left (quadrant 2), lower left (quadrant 3), and the lower right (quadrant 4).
Root - The anatomic portion of the tooth that is covered by cementum and is located in the alveolus (socket) where it is attached by the periodontal apparatus; radicular portion of tooth.
Root Canal - The portion of the pulp cavity inside the root of a tooth.
Sulcus – The groove on the occlusal surface of a tooth between the inclines of adjacent cusps.

PARTS OF THE MOUTH AND ANATOMIC DESCRIPTORS:

Abutment (retainer) - The teeth on either side of a missing tooth used to support a fixed prosthesis (bridge) or removable prosthesis (removable partial).
Alveolar bone - The part of the jaw that surrounds the roots of the teeth.
Alveolar process - The curving part of the jaw into which the teeth are rooted.
Alveolus - The socket in the alveolar bone into which the tooth’s root fits.
Bilateral - Occurring on, or pertaining to, both right and left sides.
Buccal - Next to the cheek.
Canal - A relatively narrow tubular passage or channel.
Dentition - The teeth in the dental arch.
Dentition: Permanent - Refers to the permanent or secondary teeth in the dental arch.
Dentition: Deciduous - Refers to the deciduous, primary or baby teeth in the dental arch.
Distal - Behind towards the back of the mouth.
Embrasure - The “V” shaped space between the proximal surfaces of two adjoining teeth in contact.
Extraoral - Outside of the mouth.
Filtrum - the dimple or indentation under the nose directly above the upper lip.
Frenum - Small pieces of pink colored skin that attach your lips, cheeks and tongue to your mouth.
Gums (Gingiva) - The soft tissue covering the bone adjacent to the teeth.
Intraoral - Inside the mouth.
Interproximal - Between the teeth.
Jaw - A common name for either the maxilla or the mandible.
Labial - Pertaining to or around the lip.
Lingual - Pertaining to or around the tongue.
Mandible - The lower jaw.
Mandibular - Pertaining to the lower jaw.
Margin - The line where a restoration seals against tooth structure. In crowns, this is usually near or below the gumline Margins need to be sealed with extreme accuracy; if not, gum disease and recurrent cavities will result.
Maxilla - The upper jaw.
Maxillary - Pertaining to the upper jaw.
Mesial - Forward towards the back of the mouth.
Midline (Median Line) - A plane through the very center of your mouth perpendicular to your nose.
Mucous Membrane - The lining of the oral cavity as well as other canals and cavities of the body; also called mucosa.
Occlusal plane - The imaginary surface on which upper and lower teeth meet.
Occlusion - Any contact between biting or chewing surfaces of maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth.
Oral - Pertaining to the mouth.
Sagittal plane - The longitudinal vertical plane that divides the mouth into two halves (left and right).
Palate - The hard and soft tissues forming the roof of the mouth that separates the oral and nasal cavities.
Parotid Glands - Major salivary glands located in front of and below the ears.
Posterior - Refers to teeth and tissues towards the back of the mouth (distal to the canines).
Sublingual Glands - Major salivary glands located in the mucosa on the floor of the mouth.
Submandibular Glands - Walnut-sized major salivary glands located beneath the tongue.
TMJ - An abbreviation for the "temporomandibular joint" The "temporomandibular joint" is the joint where the condylar process of the lower jaw connects to the temporal bone of the skull.
Torus - A bony elevation or protuberance of bone.

DENTAL MATERIALS:

Acrylic (Resin) - A plastic or moldable chemical or light cured dental material without filler the particles of composite often used to make denture bases and denture teeth.
Alginate - A fast setting, thick powder-liquid mixture used to make molds or impressions of individual teeth, dental arches in dentistry, and body parts for special effects in movies.
Amalgam - A fast setting alloy of metals (including silver, copper, zinc and mercury) used in filling teeth (direct dental restorations). The components of amalgam are premeasured and encapsulated by the dental manufacturer and must be mixed or triturated to activate at time of placement.
Compomer - A material used for cementation of fixed crowns and bridges and also for some restorations. Combines the benefits of composite materials (shade variations and surface smoothness) with those of glassionomers (self adhering and fluoride release).
Composite - The material traditionally used for bonded restorations. Made from an admixture of various glass filler particles in a polymerized gel-like matrix. This material is generally applied to etched enamel and primed dentin. It is then polymerized with a curing light (a visible blue light) that activates a catalyst in the composite and causes it to harden almost instantly. Today's composite bonding materials are extremely esthetic because of the way the glass particles reflect and refract light similarly to natural enamel. There are many types of composite materials based upon the filler particle composition and size.
Hybrids - have a combination of macro and microfiller particles for increased resistance to loads and high polishablity.
Macrofills - have large particle size for increased surface hardness and resistance to loads, but macrofills do not have the wear resistance or polishablity of microfills.
Microfills - have very small particle size for increased wear resistance, polishablity and esthetics, but cannot be used in large bulk in heavy load areas.
Etchant - A dilute-buffered light acid to create microporosities in the enamel or porcelain and remove surface organic matrix of dentin to facilitate bonding.
Glass Ionomer - A material used for cementation of fixed crowns and bridges and also for some restorations in non-stress bearing areas. Glass Ionomers are self adhering and fluoride releasing.
Gutta Percha - A rubber-like material used to fill root canals, along with a dental sealer. Gutta Percha is bio-inert and thermoplastic so that it can be placed, squeezed, or injected into the prepared root canal space.
Primer - A dentin treatment, which allows it to bond to composite materials similarly to enamel.
Porcelain - A tooth-colored, "sandlike" material consisting mainly of kaolin, feldspar and flux. It fuses at a high temperature to form a hard substance much like enamel in appearance.
Post - An elongated projection either metal or ceramic fitted and cemented within the prepared root canal, serving to strengthen and retain restorative material and/or a crown restoration.

DENTAL SPECIALISTS:

Dental Specialist - A dentist who has received postgraduate training in one of the dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. A Dental Specialist must limit his/her practice to treating conditions related to his/her specialty.
Endodontist - A dental specialist whose practice is limited to treating disease and injuries of the pulp (via root canal therapy) and associated periradicular conditions.
Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeon - A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities, defects and esthetic aspects of the oral and maxillofacial regions. Oral Surgeons do not restore teeth but often place adjunctive restorative prosthetics such as subgingival orthodontic brackets and dental implants.
Orthodontist - A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the interception and treatment of malocclusion of the teeth and their surrounding structures.
Pediatric Dentist - A dental specialist whose practice is limited to treatment of children from birth through adolescence; formerly known as a pedodontist.
Periodontist - A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth. Periodontists do not restore teeth but often place adjunctive restorative prosthetics such as subgingival orthodontic brackets and dental implants.
Prosthodontist - A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the restoration of the natural teeth and/or the replacement of missing teeth with artificial substitutes.

DENTAL CONDITIONS, TREATMENTS AND PROCEEDURAL TERMS:

Abfraction - Unusual wear notching, at the neck (cervical area) of a tooth at or below the gumline into the dentin of the tooth. Abfraction is often accompanied by gum recession, is sensitive to temperature changes and direct contact, and is thought to be caused by excessive clenching or grinding.
Abrasion - Tooth wear caused by forces other than chewing such as holding objects between the teeth or improper hard brushing mostly at the gumline.
Abscess - A pocket or sack of pus and gas produced by an infection. Painful when pressure builds up.
Abutment - A tooth (or implant) that supports a dental prosthesis.
Implant Abutment - A pre-made or custom-made tooth replacement that is affixed to a dental implant to support a crown.
Air Abrasion - A resurgence of an old technique whereby tooth decay is removed with a device similar to a sandblaster. Uses of this technique is very limited because of the limitation of the abrasive particles ability in removing material.
Alginate Impression - Making a mold or impression of a tooth or arch of teeth for making study models and/or fabrication of some dental appliances. The Alginate powder is mixed with water to create a homogenous mass which is placed in an impression tray and positioned over the teeth until set into a hardened gel mold.
Amalgam Filling - The traditional silver filling. Actually a mixture or amalgamation of various metals including silver, copper, zinc and mercury. Amalgam can be placed into a tooth and contoured or carved before it is set to a filan hardness in a short period of time. Amalgam is long lasting, but expands and oxidizes over time.
Analgesia - Loss of pain sensations without loss of consciousness.
Ankylosis - A condition where two hard tissues are fused together. When this happens to a tooth and the alveolar bone, the tooth partially erupts.
Anesthetic - A drug which a doctor or dentist uses to put you, your mouth, or some other part of your body into a numb state or asleep so you do not feel any pain during dental or medical procedures.
General Anesthesia - A controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of protective reflexes, including loss of ability to independently maintain airway and respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command, produced by a pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic method or combination thereof.
Intravenous Sedation/Analgesia - A medically controlled state of depressed consciousness while maintaining the patient’s airway, protective reflexes and the ability to respond to stimulation or verbal commands. It includes intravenous administration of sedative and/or analgesic agent(s) and appropriate monitoring.
Local Anesthesia - The loss of pain sensation over a specific area of the anatomy without loss of consciousness. Medications commonly referred to as "novocaine", although that anesthetic has not been in regular use for more than twenty years. The drugs commonly used to make teeth numb are now lidocaine, mepivocaine, bupivocaine, etidocaine, aristocaine and prilocaine. Each has different strengths and weaknesses; and are used according to treatment needs. The medications above also are mixed with other medications, including adrenalin (epinephrine)to ensure desired effect.
Non-Intravenous Conscious Sedation - A medically controlled state of depressed consciousness while maintaining the patient’s airway, protective reflexes and the ability to respond to stimulation or verbal commands. It includes administration of sedative and/or analgesic agent(s) by a route other than IV; (PO, PR, Intranasal, IM) and appropriate monitoring.
ANUG - Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly called trenchmouth. Causes irreversible loss of gum tissue.
Apexification - A special type of root canal treatment used on young teeth to help them to continue to grow despite damage to the nerve tissue. Requires changing an internal medicament about every 90 days and can take six to eighteen months to finish. It is generally a painless treatment.
Aphthous Ulcer (Canker Sore) - A painful ulcer that lasts seven to ten days, usually on the looser gum tissue in the softer areas of the mouth. Scientifically known as aphthae, these ulcers can sometimes occur on the tongue, palate, and throat. Aphthae have no known cause but are known to develop during extreme stress. They can be treated with topical analgesic agents to ease the pain, enucleated with a soft tissue laser, or topical steroid cream (or rinse) if they are debilitating.
Apicoectomy - A surgical root canal treatment used to seal the tip of a root when conventional root canal treatment has failed or is contraindicated.
Articulator - A special holder for models of teeth. An articulator holds the models in the same alignment as your jaw so a dentist can look carefully at your bite, the interdigitation of teeth and unusual wear patters.
Asepsis - The avoidance of potentially pathogenic microorganism. In practice, it refers to those techniques which aims to exclude all microorganisms.
Aspirator - A tube like a straw, which a dental professional puts in your mouth to remove saliva and other fluids by vacuum.
Aspiration - Removal of fluids from your mouth with an aspirator.
Benign - The mild character of an illness or the non-malignant character of a neoplasm.
Biomechanics - The relationship between the force you apply to living tissue such as teeth and gums and how the tissue moves and changes.
Biopsy - Process of removing tissue for histologic evaluation.
Bisque Try In - Checking the esthetics and function of a PFM or ceramic crown prior to the final finishing and glazing of the porcelain. Sometimes called a "Biscuit Bake".
Biteplane (Biteplate) - A removable appliance made of acrylic designed to open a deep bite by having contact on the bite plate while keeping the posterior teeth out of contact.
Bitewing radiographs - X-rays used to reveal the crowns of several upper and lower teeth as they bite down. These dental radiographs check for cavities in-between the teeth as well as showing the quantity and quality of bone in-between the teeth.
Bleaching - A cosmetic dental procedure that whitens the teeth using a buffered peroxide solution usually along with a desensitizing agent.
Bonding - The name given to the process of placing esthetic white fillings. A composite resin is applied to a tooth to change its shape and/or color. Bonding also refers to how a filling, orthodontic appliance or some fixed partial dentures are attached to teeth.
Bone Graft - Surgical replacement of bone around tooth roots or in preparation for a dental implant.
Bridge, Fixed - Replacing a missing tooth by placing at least two crowns on adjacent teeth and suspending a false tooth, or pontic, in between or cantilevered from one end. This restoration is cemented to your teeth and is not removable. A provisional (temporary) bridge will be in place in-between appointments.
Bridge, Removable - An antiquated term for a Removable Partial Denture or Complete Denture.
Bruxism - The habit of clenching and grinding the teeth using extremes of muscle power. Often some part of the mastication system is harmed (either the muscles, the jaw joint, or the teeth). Over thirty percent of the population does this to some degree, mostly at night in deep sleep stages. People are often unaware of the habit until either signs or symptoms appear. The habit often correlates with physical or emotional stress.
Calculus - The scientific term for tartar, which is the accumulation of calcified substance that adheres to the teeth. Calculus is microscopically porous, and provides a multitude of hiding places for the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Cantilever Bridge - A fixed bridge in which the replacement tooth, or pontic, is supported only on one side.
Canker Sore - A painful ulcer that lasts seven to ten days, usually on the looser gum tissue in the softer areas of the mouth. Scientifically known as aphthae, these ulcers can sometimes occur on the tongue, palate, and throat. Aphthae have no known cause but are known to develop during extreme stress. They can be treated with topical analgesic agents to ease the pain, enucleated with a soft tissue laser, or topical steroid cream (or rinse) if they are debilitating.
Caries - Commonly used term for tooth decay.
Cariogenic - Promotes tooth decay.
Cavity - A small hole in a tooth caused by tooth decay or dental caries; also referred to as carious lesion.
Cementation - The placement of a fixed crown or bridge with a dental cement to assure retention.
Cleft Lip - Birth defect, in which one or more fissures form in the upper lip, which takes place while the fetus, is growing.
Cleft Palate - Congenital deformity resulting in lack of fusion of the soft and/or hard palate, either partial or complete.
Clenching - The habit of consciously or unconsciously squeezing the teeth together with extraordinary muscle force frequently associated with psychological stress or physical effort. See Bruxism.
Conscious Sedation - A state in which patients rendered with use of a hypnotic medication and are awake, can breathe and swallow on their own but are less aware of what is taking place.
Crepitation - Grinding or gravelly sounds from within the jaw joint resulting from direct contact of bone against bone with no disc, or cushion, in between. May be with or without associated pain.
Cross contamination - Passing bacteria, or viruses indirectly from one patient to another through the use of improper sterilization procedures.
Crown (Cap) - A covering placed on a tooth to replace missing structure and reinforce or strengthen it. The most common crowns made today are from a cast metal (preferably a gold alloy) with esthetic porcelain baked to the outside (PFM). In non-esthetic areas, or for patients with extremely strong masticatory musculature, gold crowns (FGC) are still used. All ceramic crowns are generally used in highly esthetic areas, and the innovation of milled all ceramic (CEREC) crowns have increased both the esthetics and strength of these restorations. Crowns are indicated to restore broken or cracked teeth, and any tooth in which the previous filling encompassed more than one-half of the width of the tooth. Crowns are also still used to solve some cosmetic problems when bonding or veneers would not be adequate. Conventional Crowns (PFM and FGC) generally require two visits, necessitating placement of provisional crowns for the interim, while CEREC crowns can be made and bonded to place in one visit.
Crown Lengthening - A surgical procedure exposing more tooth for restorative purposes by apically positioning the gingival margin and/or removing supporting bone.
Curettage - The act of removing infected tissue from a wound; used commonly in dentistry to refer to the removal of grossly inflamed gum tissue caused be severe periodontal disease.
Cyst - A pathological cavity, usually lined with epithelium that can form around an impacted or diseased tooth. It is filled with fluid, and can hollow out the bone in a patient's jaw to a significant extent. Rarely do cysts spontaneously resorb in response to any treatment; in general they are removed by careful curettage and the missing bone usually regenerates.
Debridement - The act of cleansing an infected area removing foreign matter or dead tissue.
Decalcification - The loss of calcium from teeth. This weakens the teeth and makes them more susceptible to decay.
Decay - The lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure.
Dental Prophylaxis - Scaling and polishing procedure performed to remove coronal plaque, calculus, and stains.
Dental Prosthesis - An artificial device that replaces one or more missing teeth.
Denture - An artificial substitute for natural teeth and adjacent tissues.
Denture Base - The part of the denture that holds the artificial teeth and fits over the gums.
Diagnosis - The process of identifying the nature of a disorder or illness.
Digital X Rays - A computer technology whereby radiographic images are seen immediately after exposure on a computer screen. The images can be magnified, colorized, and have their density manipulated for greater information. Most significantly, the radiation exposure necessary is about ten percent that of conventional dental radiographs.
Disinfection - A surface cleaning process, which destroys of most microorganism, but not highly resistant forms of some bacteria and mycotic spores.
Disinfectant - A chemical agent that is applied onto inanimate surfaces, for example chairs, to destroy germs.
Disposable materials - Materials intended for one use and discarded. (e.g.: Gloves, paper gowns, cotton rolls, sponges, etc.)
Direct Restoration - A restoration fabricated inside the mouth.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) - Decreased salivary secretion that produces a dry and sometimes burning sensation of the oral mucosa. Patients with xerostomia are more susceptible to tooth decay.
Dry Socket (Alveolitis) – A localized inflammation/infection of the tooth socket following extraction due to infection or loss of blood clot.
Edentulous - Toothless.
Equilibration - The science of interpreting and adjusting the bite for harmony of function and relaxed musculature. A very exacting procedure is often done on models. May need to be periodically redone or touched up to account for tooth wear and drifting.
Erupt, Eruption - When a new tooth comes in, the tooth is said to erupt when the tooth breaks through the surface of the gums, so that it can be seen in the mouth.
Erosion - Wearing down of tooth structure, caused by chemicals (acids).
Etch - The act of opening microporosities in the enamel or dentin of a tooth or porcelain on a crown to facilitate bonding.
Excision - Surgical removal of bone or tissue.
Exfoliate - When a deciduous tooth falls out.
Extraction - The process or act of removing a tooth or tooth parts.
Filling - A lay term used for the restoring of lost tooth structure by using materials such as metal, alloy, plastic or porcelain.
Fistula - A drainage spot in the gums. Referred to as a "gum boil" in the past, is an opening from where an abscess of infectious material drains into the mouth.
Fixed Appliances - Orthodontic devices, commonly known as braces, that are bonded to the teeth to produce different tooth movements to help reposition teeth for orthodontic therapy.
Fixed Partial Denture (Bridge) - A fixed partial denture is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth cemented or attached to the abutment teeth or implant abutments adjacent to the space.
Fluoride - A halide element (small molecule) found commonly in water and foods. Low concentrations have been found to greatly lower the amount of cavities. Fluoride's most beneficial effect is to remineralize (reharden) areas that have just been softened by decay. Fluoride is also a poison to many oral bacteria and thus prevents cavities and periodontal disease.
Fluoride Treatment - The procedure of applying a certain concentration of fluoride for a specified period of time directly to the teeth with a gel or foam to strengthen the teeth. This may be done with or without a tray.
Full Mouth Series - A complete series of dental x-rays angled to show the roots of all teeth, as well as the surrounding bone and other structures. It usually consists of about 16 to 18 small films or images.
Gingivitis - The first stage of periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation of the gum tissue without any bone loss. The clinical signs are swelling and bleeding upon stimulation. Rarely are these signs noticed as a problem by patients. Gingivitis is the result of chronic infection caused by plaque bacteria. Gingivitis requires improved oral hygiene and treatment to limit it from progressing into a more destructive forms of gum disease.
Gingival Hyperplasia - An overgrowth of gingival (gum) tissues.
Gingival Hypertrophy - The abnormal enlargement of the gingiva (gums) surrounding the teeth caused by poor oral hygiene.
Gingivectomy - The removal of excess or extra gingiva (gum) tissue to improve cleansibility and health. Often necessary to treat gum overgrowth caused by a variety of medications, including Dilantin. Chronic mouth breathing can also cause gum hypertrophy.
Gingivectomy - The excision or removal of gingiva.
Gingivitis - Inflammation of gingival tissue without loss of connective tissue. The first sign of periodontal (gum) disease.
Gingivoplasty - The reshaping of gum contours, often for esthetic purposes. Is often a good solution for a "gummy smile". Can be performed with a laser.
Graft - A piece of tissue or alloplastic material placed in contact with tissue to repair a defect or supplement a deficiency.
Granuloma - A zone of infected tissue that has yet to organize into an abscess.
Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) – A procedure during flap surgery for periodontal disease in which a membrane is inserted between the alveolar bone and the bone graft to encourage the gum tissues to grow onto the alveolar bone.
Handpiece - The dentist's "drill", usually powered by compressed air and spins up to 500,000 rpm.
Hemisection - A surgical procedure whereby the roots of a tooth are separated and treated as individual teeth.
Imaging, Diagnostic - This would include, but is not limited to, CAT scans, MRIs, photographs, radiographs, etc.
Immediate Denture - Prosthesis constructed for placement immediately after removal of remaining natural teeth.
Impacted Tooth (Impaction) - An unerrupted or partially erupted tooth (usually refers to wisdom teeth) that is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely.
Implants - Artificial tooth roots that are placed into and fuse with the bone of the jaw (osteointegrate). They can be used to replace teeth or to support and retain dentures or partial dentures.
Implantation, Tooth - Placement of an artificial or natural tooth into an alveolus.
Impression - A mold, or negative, of a tooth, teeth or edentulous alveolar ridges. Impressions are used to make crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, some fillings, and study models. A variety of different materials are used, depending on the properties desired.
Incision and Drainage (I and D) - A technique used to allow for the drainage of significant infections.
Inlay - A laboratory made indirect intracoronal restoration, cemented or bonded into a tooth. Can be made of resin, porcelain or gold.
Intraoral - Inside the mouth.
Intravenous Sedation - Medications used intravenously (through the bloodstream) to produce varying levels of sedation.
Lesion - An injury or wound; area of diseased tissue.
Local Anesthesia - The loss of pain sensation over a specific area of the anatomy without loss of consciousness. Medications commonly referred to as "novocaine", although that anesthetic has not been in regular use for more than twenty years. The drugs commonly used to make teeth numb are now lidocaine, mepivocaine, bupivocaine, etidocaine, aristocaine and prilocaine. Each has different strengths and weaknesses; and are used according to treatment needs. The medications above also are mixed with other medications, including adrenalin (epinephrine)to ensure desired effect.
Maintenance, Periodontal - Therapy for preserving the state of health of the periodontium.
Malignant - Having the properties of dysplasia, invasion, and metastasis.
Malocclusion - Improper alignment of biting or chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth.
Maryland Bridge - A type of fixed partial denture (Bridge) not requiring crowns. The prosthesis is bonded to the natural teeth to secure the replacement tooth (Pontic).
Masticate - To chew.
Medicated Filling - A provisional or temporary filling which incorporates a palliative or soothing medication to calm an inflamed tooth nerve.
Mouthguard - A device that fits over the teeth to prevent injury to the teeth, mouth or lips from injury when you are participating in sports. May also refer to a device that prevents tooth grinding or treats temporomandibular disorders. Night Guard - A device similar to a retainer, which separates the teeth and often relaxes the muscles, which position the jaw. A variety of configurations are used. A nightguard is indicated for people who overwork their jaws at night and possibly risk damage to their teeth, jaw joints, and/or muscles. People who wake up with sore muscles, facial weakness, or a jaw that is "locked" are good candidates for this device.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) - An inhaled analgesic which when carefully administered is excellent at lowering patient's anxieties. It also does increase pain tolerance to a measurable degree. It is especially useful in the management of fearful children, for whom it provides a pleasant, fantasy-like state. It is a very safe drug, with no reported allergies, and very few side effects when administered properly.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea - A disorder in which breathing stops for short periods of time during sleep.
Occlusal radiograph - A radiographic view from the incisal edges of the teeth.
Occlusion - The science of the bite included the relationship of chewing movements to the jaw joints, and how the teeth interdigitate specifically to allow for chewing function.
Onlay - An indirect restoration that covers the entire biting surface of a tooth. and is cemented or bonded into place. Can be made of resin, porcelain or gold.
Orthognathic Surgery - Surgery performed to correct facial imbalances caused by abnormalities of the jawbones.
Osseointegration - The process by which bone heals around an implant.
Osteoblasts - Cells which aid the growth, development of bones.
Osteoclasts - Cells which help heal injured bone by removing the damaged bone prior to the growth of new bone.
Osteoplasty - Surgical procedure that modifies the configuration of bone.
Ostectomy - Surgical cutting and removal of bone.
Overdenture - A removable prosthetic device that overlies and may be supported by retained tooth roots or implants.
Palliative - Action that relieves pain but is not curative.
Pathogens - Disease producing organisms.
Pathology - The study of abnormal (diseased) tissue conditions.
Pellicle - A thin nonbacterial film from saliva that covers the teeth.
Periapical X-Ray - An x-ray that shows several entire teeth (crowns and roots) and includes a small amount of the periapical bone (surrounding the root tips).
Periodontal - Pertaining to the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth (gums and bone).
Periodontal Abscess - An infection in the gum pocket that can destroy hard and soft tissues.
Periodontal Disease - Inflammatory process of the gingival tissues and/or periodontal membrane of the teeth, resulting in an abnormally deep gingival sulcus, possibly producing periodontal pockets and loss of supporting alveolar bone.
Periodontal Pocket - Pathologically deepened gingival sulcus with supportive bone loss; a feature of periodontal disease.
Periodontitis - Inflammation and loss of the connective tissue of the supporting or surrounding structure of teeth with loss of attachment.
Plaque - A soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives.
Precision Attachment - Interlocking device, one component of which is fixed to an abutment(crown or implant) or abutments and the other is integrated into a fixed or removable prosthesis in order to stabilize and/or retain it.
Premedication - The use of medications prior to dental procedures.
Prophylaxis - A routine cleaning for healthy teeth and gums, scaling and polishing procedure performed to remove coronal plaque, calculus and stains. Does not involve any type of more intensive gum therapy or deeper cleaning.
Prosthesis - Artificial replacement of any part of the body.
Pulpectomy - Complete removal of vital and non vital pulp tissue from the root canal space.
Pulpotomy - Surgical removal of a portion of the pulp with the aim of maintaining the vitality of the remaining portion by means of an adequate dressing; pulp amputation.
Pulp Cap - Covering an exposed or nearly exposed nerve with a palliative material prior to filling the tooth.
Radiograph - An image produced by projecting radiation, as x-rays, on photographic film or a computer sensor. Commonly called x-ray.
Ranula - A cyst that can develop under the tongue on the floor of the mouth.
Rebase - To replace the denture base to make it fit more securely.
Reline - To resurface the side of the denture that is in contact with the soft tissues of the mouth to make it fit more securely.
Removable Appliance - Removable orthodontic appliances used to effect simple tipping movements of one tooth or several.
Removable Partial Denture (RPD) - A removable partial denture (removable bridge) is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth that can be removed by the patient.
Resorb - To dissolve.
Retainer: Orthodontic Retainer - Appliance to stabilize teeth following orthodontic treatment.
Retainer: Prosthodontic - A part of a fixed partial denture that attaches a pontic to the abutment tooth, implant abutment, or implant.
Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics) - The treatment of disease and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions. A procedure where the nerve of a tooth is removed from the tooth replaced with a filling material.
Root Caries - Tooth decay that forms on the roots.
Root Planing - A procedure designed to remove microbial flora, bacterial toxins, calculus, and diseased cementum or dentin on the root surfaces and in the periodontal pocket.
Scaling - Removal of plaque, calculus, and stain from teeth.
Sealants - A protective coating painted into the grooves on the biting surface of back teeth susceptible to decay. The ADA recommends sealants for all back teeth as soon as they grow into the mouth. Prevents cavities for adults too.
Sjogren's Syndrome - An autoimmune disease characterized by dryness of the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes. The dry mouth can be very uncomfortable and allow serious problems with cavities that progress quickly.
Space maintainer - A dental appliance designed to hold teeth apart in areas where a tooth is prematurely lost. The space maintainer will keep a space in your mouth until a permanent tooth comes in to fill the space.
Splint - A device used to support, protect, or immobilize oral structures that have been loosened, replanted, fractured or traumatized. Also refers to devices used in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Stainless Steel Crowns - Silver colored metal shell crowns often used to restore heavily damaged primary molars.
Stomatitis - Inflammation of the membranes in the mouth.
Sterilization - A process where a medical material is treated to remove all possible germs and other forms of life.
Supernumerary teeth - Extra teeth beyond the normal 20 primary or 32 secondary teeth. Generally supernumary teeth are misshapened and decay easily.
Suture - Stitch used to repair incision or wound.
Tartar - Another name for calculus
Temporary Removable Denture - An interim prosthesis designed for use over limited period of time.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction - Abnormal functioning of temporomandibular joint; also refers to symptoms arising in other areas secondary to the dysfunction.
Unerrupted - Tooth/teeth that have not penetrated into the oral cavity
Veneer - In dentistry, a veneer refers to a thin covering of porcelain or composite over the enamel of a tooth.
Wear Facet - Flat areas on teeth or restorations caused by grinding or bruxism.
X-Ray - Radiograph.