Listed below you will find definitions to the terms you are most likely to hear when visiting our office. This will help you to understand the dentistry procedures that you may need. Often a dentist will implement many procedures over time to create the desired result - the perfect smile.
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 the teeth.
Amalgam
A most common filling material, also known as "silver fillings," containing mercury (aprox. 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.
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 to 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. A procedure for brightening or whitening stained, dull, or discolored teeth. This can be in-office or dentist-supervised at-home.
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. A procedure to adhere tooth-colored resin to the tooth's surface, creating a bond. The composite resin bonding process is where a resin (similar to an enamel) is bonded to a tooth's surface, but then sculpted into shape, hardened, and polished.
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
A fixed or removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth. 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 Contouring
A Cosmetic Dentist will sculpt and reshape the natural teeth t make them straighter.
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 malocclusion (prognathic jaw).
Crown
(1) The portion of a tooth above the gum line. (2) Dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth. Crowns are caps, covers, or restorations to replace the missing portion of a tooth. Sometimes used to correct bite problems or to replace missing teeth.
Curettage
Removal of diseased tissue from a periodontal 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
The name for a space between two teeth.
Enamel
Durable, hard, white outer layer of the tooth that covers and protects the dentin, the layer just beneath it. The 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.
Fixed Bridge
For replacing a missing tooth, a fixed bridge is bonded to adjacent teeth which have been prepared to provide anchor supports.
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
The 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.
High Lipline
A High Lipline is when the widest smile meets the gum tissue above the teeth.
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
A fixed dental appliance used for the replacement of a tooth. An 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
A porcelain or resin filling bonded in place to restore a decayed or broken tooth. 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.
Laminate Veneer
A very thin porcelain resin shell bonded to the enamel of your front teeth.
Laminating
A procedure for the application of a thin porcelain or composite resin veneer 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.
Low Lipline
A Low Lipline is when the widest smile hardly reveals the bottom edges of your upper front teeth.
Malocclusion
A "bad bite" problem caused by incorrect positions 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
A porcelain or resin filling that protects a tooth by covering only the chewing surface. A 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
Fixed or removable dental prosthesis (appliance or bridge) 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
A ceramic, tooth-colored material that fuses at high temperatures to form an enamel-like substance which is very hard and durable.
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.
Posterior-Bonded Composite Resin
A special tooth-colored filling material just for back teeth.
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.
Resin-Bonded Bridge
A metal or glass fiber-reinforced bridge requiring a minimal change to anchor teeth.
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. A Root Canal procedure must be performed when the pulp within a tooth dies or becomes infected. The pulp is comprised of the tooth's nerve and blood supply, and other soft tissues. Unfortunately, an infection in the pulp chamber or root canal will not heal, it will only progress, destroying the pulp.
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. Sealants are used almost exclusively on the biting surfaces of posterior, or back, teeth. These areas are especially vulnerable to cavities because these teeth see the bulk of chewing duty, and their surfaces are so irregular. They are usually covered with pits, fissures, indentations, and small cracks which tend to retain food and conceal plaque deposits.
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. Porcelain or composite very-thin, special laminates bonded to teeth. Typically, Veneers are used for repairing chipped, cracked, or worn teeth. 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.
Walking Bleach
A procedure to lighten a tooth that has darkened after a root canal treatment.
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.
X-Rays
X-rays are used to reveal problems that cannot be observed visually, or through any other means. They are an absolutely necessary part of regular dental checkups, and time has shown their use to be very safe. There are three types of dental x-rays: bitewing, complete series, and panographic.