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
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
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 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
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:
techinque 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 smal 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 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
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:
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
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.
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
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
