Category:Dental Affairs
From 4Dent Wiki - Dental Glossary, Dictionary & Terminology
Welcome to Dental Affairs Terminology
Contents |
Last Modified
27 Jan 2010
A
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 to treat a dead tooth
arch: describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth
attrition: loss of structure due to natural wear
B
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: caries (decay) detection x-rays
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
C
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
D
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
E
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
F
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 sutrpface 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
G
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
H
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
I
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
J
jacket: crown for a front tooth, usually made of porcelain
K
(empty)
L
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
M
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
N
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
O
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 cavity: the mouth
oral hygiene: process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures
oral and maxillofacial surgery: surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws
oral pathologist: dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases
orthodontics: dental specialty that treats misalignment of teeth
osseous: boney
overbite: vertical overlap of the front teeth
overdenture: denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants
overjet: horozontal overlap of the front teeth
P
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
Q
(empty)
R
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
S
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: infammation of the sinus that may mimc 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
T
tartar: common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth; produces rough surface that attracts plaque
tmd (or tmj disorder): temperomandibular 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.
U
UCR: usual, customary and reasonable fees
unerupted tooth: a tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the dental arch
V
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
W
wisdom teeth: third (last) molars that usually erupt at age 18-25 (when "wisdom is attained")
X
xerostomia: dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva
Y
(empty)
Z
(empty)
