Glossary of Dental Terms

• A

• Abscess:

  An abscess is a localized collection of pus in the gums, usually due to an infection.

• Amalgam:

  A mixture or compound, in this case, used for filling teeth such as for a cavity. The compound is a blend of metals, giving it a silver color.

• Anesthesia:

  A drug administered either through gas or injection, before a surgical procedure, that eliminates pain.

• Back to top

• B

• Baby Teeth:

  Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are the 20 teeth children are born with. They usually start to cut through around 6 months and are replaced by permanent teeth beginning around age 6.

• Biopsy:

  A biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of tissue to more closely examine it when it appears abnormal for the presence and extent of disease.

• Braces:

  Braces are an orthodontic appliance designed to bring teeth into proper alignment. Also referred to as oral braces, dental braces, or orthodontics.

• Bridge:

  An option for replacing a missing tooth (or teeth.) A bridge uses false teeth that are affixed to the teeth or implants on either side of the gap created by the missing tooth/teeth.

• Bruxism:

  The technical term for teeth grinding, particularly during sleep, usually involuntary and habitual in nature.

• Back to top

• C

• Canines:

  Canines are a tooth type that have a sharp, pointed biting surface for gripping and tearing food. There are four canine permanent teeth, located between the front incisors and back pre-molars on both the top and bottom row of teeth.

• Canker Sore:

  A small mouth ulcer, usually found at the gum line or inner cheek, that lasts less than two weeks.

• Caries:

  Dental caries is the scientific term for tooth decay. It is an infectious condition that deteriorates the tooth enamel and the layer beneath it (the dentin) by producing an acid. Dental caries are caused by the bacteria that build up in plaque on the teeth.

• Cavities:

  Caused when the hard enamel surface of the tooth is permanently damaged. Cavities happen when the teeth are not properly cared for which creates a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. Cavities are also caused by eating sugary snacks and drinks. The presence of caries always forms cavities.

• Composite:

  Dental composite refers to the synthetic resin used to fill a cavity as an alternative to an amalgam filling. Composite fillings are the same color as the tooth being filled.

• Cosmetic Dentistry:

  Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of teeth or smile, as opposed to a purely medical/health focus.

• Cracked Tooth Syndrome:

  Characterized by tooth sensitivity and/or pain when biting into food, cracked tooth syndrome is caused by a tiny crack that is hard to see with an x-ray or because it is under the gum line.

• Crown:

  A tooth shaped cap that is placed over an old tooth. Crowns are usually used to restore the shape, appearance, and function of a tooth.

• Cuspids:

  Cuspids are also known as canines – a tooth type known for their long, pointed shape.

• Back to top

• D

• Decay:

  Also known as dental caries, decay is the breakdown of a tooth caused by acids produced by bacteria.

• Dental Implant:

  A metal post or frame that has been surgically placed in the jawbone that allows a dentist to place replacement teeth in the mouth.

• Dental Sealants:

  A treatment done by a dentist to help prevent tooth decay by covering all the natural fissures in the teeth with a clear coating.

• Dentures:

  A removable acrylic appliance worn in the mouth to replace missing teeth.

• Dry Socket:

  Dry socket is a potential side effect following the removal of a molar or wisdom tooth. When the protective blood clot formed from the extraction dislodges, dissolves or fails to form, it creates nerve and/or bone exposure and resulting pain.

• Back to top

• E

• Enamel:

  Stronger than bone, tooth enamel is the hard, outer surface of teeth designed. to be strong enough to tear and grind food.

• Endodontist:

  An endodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats tooth pain, especially those requiring root canal treatment.

• Extraction:

  The removal of the tooth from its socket in the bone.

• Back to top

• F

• Filling:

  Also called a dental restoration, a filling is used to restore the function and integrity of a tooth. This is necessary when a tooth has decay.

• Flossing:

  Flossing is the practice of using dental floss to clear debris and bacteria from between teeth that cannot be reached by brushing.

• Fluoride:

  Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in water sources, that helps reduce tooth decay and cavities.

• Back to top

• G

• Gingivitis:

  A common form of gum disease classified by swollen, red gums that may bleed when brushing your teeth.

• Gum Disease:

  Caused by the toxins created by the bacteria in the plaque along and under the gum line, gum disease is the abnormal loss of bone around the teeth and the inflammation of the soft tissue.

• Gum Recession:

  When the gums wear away or pull back, forming pockets or gaps, this is considered gum recession or receding gums/gumline. These pockets make it easy for bacteria to build up, resulting in gum disease.

• Gums:

  Gums are the soft tissue at the base of, and surrounding the lowest parts of the tooth and covering the tooth socket area of the jaw.

• Back to top

• H

• Halitosis:

  Halitosis is the clinical term for chronic bad breath.

• Back to top

• I

• Impacted Wisdom Teeth:

  A wisdom tooth is considered impacted when it is stuck under the gum or is only partially broken through and not likely to continue to erupt.

• Implants:

  A dental implant (or implant) is a surgical anchor placed into the bone of the jaw that is the base for crown, bridge or other dental prosthetic.

• Impression:

  A dental impression is a mold made of your teeth and mouth/palate to facilitate the creation of dental appliances such as orthodontics, mouth guards, dental implants and more.

• Incisors:

  Incisors are a tooth type characterized as the flat, front teeth, designed for biting into food. There are 8 permanent incisors in an average adult.

• Invisalign:

  A type of orthodontic treatment, Invisalign uses clear alingers  to straighten  teeth.

• Back to top

• L

• Lidocaine:

  Lidocaine is a local anesthetic used to numb tissue in a specific area to reduce pain. It can be applied topically or injected.

• Back to top

• M

• Molars:

  Molars are a tooth type characterized as wide back teeth with a large surface for chewing and grinding food. Adults have 12 permanent molars, including 4 wisdom teeth.

• Mouth Guard:

  Mouth guards are oral devices, usually made of plastic, used to prevent teeth grinding, to protect against sports related accidents, and even to help with sleep apnea.

• Mouthwash:

  Mouthwash is simply an oral rinse containing bacteria killing rinsing agents, and it is one step, recommended daily, for good oral hygiene.

• Back to top

• N

• Nerves:

  Nerves are pain sensors in the body. Dental nerves are tissues found in the tooth pulp area that can become inflamed and painful when infected.

• Night Guard:

  A night guard is a mouth guard designed for use at night, typically to prevent bruxism, TMJ or to assist with sleep apnea.

• Nitrous Oxide:

  Nitrous oxide, also referred to as laughing gas, is used in some dental procedures as a sedative. It is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask placed over your nose and mouth.

• Back to top

• O

• Oral Cancer:

  Oral cancer refers to cancer found in the soft tissues of a person’s throat or mouth including lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, gums or sinuses.

• Oral Hygiene:

  The practice of taking care of one’s mouth to keep teeth, gums and the oral cavity disease and problem free. Proper oral hygiene includes visiting the dentist at least 2 times a year, brushing twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash daily, and chewing sugar-free gum between meals.

• Orthodontics:

  A specialty branch of dentistry that focuses on the straightening of teeth and alignment of the jaw. Orthodontics is most often associated with braces and invisible alignment treatment.

• Orthodontist:

  An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on proper jaw and tooth alignment. They diagnosis, prevent and correct misalignments in the jaw and bite.

• Overbite:

  A term used in dentistry and orthodontics to explain the condition of upper front teeth that extend farther out that the lower front teeth when the teeth are clenched.

• Back to top

• P

• Partial Dentures:

  Partial dentures are a removable dental appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth, as opposed to full dentures which replace all on the top and/or bottom of the mouth.

• Periodontal Disease:

  Commonly referred to as gum disease. Early stage periodontal disease is called gingivitis. If it is left untreated, the bacterial infection will destroy all the all the attachment fibers and the bone that holds in the teeth, leading to tooth loss.

• Plaque:

  Caused by a mass of bacteria built up in the mouth creating a biofilm.

• Back to top

• R

• Root Canal:

  The root canal is the pulp deep within a tooth. When one undergoes a procedure called a root canal, the infected pulp within the tooth is replaced with an inert material.

• Root Planing & Scaling:

  Done to prevent gum disease, root planing and scaling is the deep cleaning of the teeth below the gum line.

• Back to top

• T

• Tartar:

  The hard calcification that forms regularly on teeth. Tartar acts as a housing for bacteria and if not removed on a regular basis will cause gum disease.

• Teeth Whitening:

  Teeth whitening is a dental process designed to remove stains and discoloration from teeth. A temporary solution, options include in-office treatment, take home solutions, and over the counter remedies.

• Temporary Crown:

  A temporary crown protects either a natural tooth or a dental implant while a permanent crown is being manufactured.

• Tooth Decay:

  The softening of your tooth enamel and the damage caused to the tooth structure is considered tooth decay. Left untreated, it will become a cavity.

• Tooth Extraction:

  Also known as a dental extraction, a tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth by a dentist, rather than loss from natural causes.

• Tooth Sensitivity:

  Tooth sensitivity is the condition of painful or uncomfortable tooth sensation after experiencing hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods or drinks, or breathing in cold air.

• Back to top

• U

• Underbite:

  A term used in dentistry and orthodontics to explain the condition of lower front teeth that extend farther out that the upper front teeth when the teeth are clenched.

• Back to top

• V

• Veneer:

  A dental veneer is designed to improve the appearance of a tooth by placing a layer of material, usually a dental composite or dental porcelain, over it.

• Back to top

• W

• Wisdom Teeth:

  Wisdom teeth are a tooth type considered to be “third” molars. Not all adults have them nor do all wisdom teeth erupt, but if they do, it is likely between the ages of 17 and 22.

• Back to top

• X

• X-Ray:

  An X-ray is used to help the dentist see areas of your teeth and mouth not visible by the human eye. It uses low doses of radiation to capture an image of the internal composition of your mouth and teeth.

• Xylitol Gum:

  Xylitol gum is a sugar-free chewing gum that can be used between meals when brushing your teeth is not an option.