Glossary of dentistry

Glossary of Dentistry

The Glossary of Dentistry is a comprehensive list of terms and definitions related to the field of dentistry. This glossary serves as a reference for both professionals in the field and individuals seeking to understand dental terminology.

A

Amalgam: A type of dental filling material used to fill cavities. It is made from a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper.

Abscess: A localized collection of pus in the tissues of the jaw or mouth, usually caused by a bacterial infection.

B

Braces: A device used in orthodontics to align and straighten teeth.

Bridge: A type of dental prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth.

C

Cavity: A hole in a tooth caused by tooth decay.

Crown: A type of dental restoration that completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant.

D

Denture: A removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues.

Dental Implant: A surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor.

E

Endodontics: A specialty of dentistry that deals with the tooth pulp and tissues surrounding the root of a tooth.

Extraction: The process of removing a tooth or tooth parts.

F

Filling: A way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape.

Fluoride: A natural mineral used in dentistry to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.

G

Gingivitis: A common form of gum disease causing redness, swelling, and bleeding gums.

Gum Disease: A serious gum infection that damages gums and can destroy the jawbone.

H

Halitosis: Chronic bad breath.

Hygienist: A licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive oral health.

I

Impacted Tooth: A tooth that has failed to emerge fully into its expected position.

Implant: A device surgically placed in the jawbone as a means of anchoring a dental prosthesis.

J

Jaw: The part of the face that forms the mouth's structure.

Juvenile Periodontitis: A severe form of periodontitis that affects adolescents.

K

Keratin: A protein that forms the main structural constituent of hair, feathers, hoofs, claws, horns, etc.

Kilovoltage: The peak electrical voltage applied across an x-ray tube.

L

Lingual: Pertaining to or toward the tongue.

Lumineers: A brand of porcelain veneers.

M

Malocclusion: Misalignment of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed.

Mandible: The lower jawbone.

N

Necrosis: The death of cells or tissues from severe injury or disease, especially in a localized area of the body.

Night Guard: A removable appliance worn at night to help prevent wear and temporomandibular damage caused by grinding the teeth during sleep.

O

Oral: Pertaining to the mouth.

Orthodontics: A specialty of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaw alignment problems using devices such as braces and retainers.

P

Periodontal: Pertaining to the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth.

Prosthodontics: Dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.

Q

Quadrant: One of the four equal sections into which the dental arches can be divided; begins at the midline of the arch and extends distally to the last tooth.

R

Root Canal: A treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected.

Restoration: The replacement of a portion of a tooth with a dental material.

S

Sealant: A thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves to prevent decay.

Scaling: A type of cleaning that removes plaque and calculus from the teeth at and slightly below the gumline.

T

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone) in front of the ear.

Tooth Whitening: A common procedure in general dentistry but most especially in the field of cosmetic dentistry to lighten teeth.

U

Unerupted Tooth: A tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the dental arch.

V

Veneer: A layer of tooth-colored material, usually porcelain or acrylic, which is attached to the surface of a crown or natural tooth to improve its aesthetics or protect it from damage.

W

Wisdom Tooth: The third molars that are the last teeth to develop and appear in the mouth.

X

Xerostomia: Dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva.

Y

Yellow Teeth: Teeth that are discolored, yellowish in color due to various factors like aging, smoking, poor oral hygiene, etc.

Z

Zirconia: A type of ceramic material that is often used for making dental crowns and bridges.

See Also

• Dental Anatomy
• Dental Procedures
• Dental Diseases
• Dental Instruments

External Links

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