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Glossary
Abscess A localized inflammation due to a collection of pus in the bone
or soft tissue, usually caused by an infection.
Amalgam A dental filling material, composed of mercury and other
minerals, used to fill decayed teeth.
Anesthetic A class of drugs that eliminates or reduces pain.
Bitevewing x-rays X-rays taken of the crowns of teeth to check for decay.
Bleaching The technique of applying a chemical agent, usually hydrogen
peroxide, to the teeth to whiten them.
Bonding A process to chemically etch the tooth's enamel to better attach
(bond) composite filling material, veneers, or plastic/acrylic bridge. A non-removable
restoration that is used to replace missing teeth. May be made of gold or porcelain on
gold. Tooth grinding, often caused by stress. Most often done unconsciously at
night.
Canine tooth The second tooth from the big front tooth, commonly called
the eye tooth or cuspid.
Cap Another term for crown; usually referring to a crown for a front
tooth.
Cavity A layman's term for tooth decay. Also, the dental term for the
hole that is left after decay has been removed.
Cement A special type of glue used to hold a crown in place. It also acts
as an insulator to protect the tooth's nerve composite Tooth colored resin filling
materials.
Cosmetic dentistry ny dental treatment or repair that is solely rendered
to improve the appearance of the teeth or mouth.
Crown A crown or a cap is a cover for a decayed or damaged tooth made of
porcelain and/or metal.
Denture A removable appliance used to replace teeth. A complete denture
replaces all of the upper teeth and/or all the lower teeth
Enamel The hard, calcified (mineralized) portion of the tooth which
covers the crown. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body.
Extraction The removal of teeth - may be simple or surgical. Filling
material used to fill a cavity or replace part of a tooth.
Fistula A bump or boil on the gum tissue, which is a tract, in which an
abscessed tooth can drain.
Gingivitis Inflammation of the gum tissue caused by plaque and or tarter
build-up. Precursor to periodontist if not treated. Impacted tooth Usually associated
with a wisdom tooth, it is a tooth that is submerged under the gum tissue. It may be
malpositioned, and may never erupt.
Implant A a titanium cage or screw placed in the bone to replace a lost
tooth or teeth. A crown, bridge, or bar and denture can be fixed to the implant(s).
Inlay A gold, porcelain, or composite custom-made filling cemented into
the tooth. If it covers the tips of the teeth or otherwise supports the tips it is called
an onlay.
Local anesthetic The injection given in the mouth to numb the areas where
a tooth or area needs a dental procedure. Often referred to as novocaine.
Molars The broad, multicusped back teeth, used for grinding food are
considered the largest teeth in the mouth. In adults there are a total of twelve molars
(including the four wisdom teeth, or third molars), three on each side of the upper and
lower jaws.
Night guard A plastic mouthpiece to prevent damage from grinding teeth at
night.
Oral surgery The removal of teeth and the repair and treatment of other
oral problems, such as tumors and fractures periodontist Advanced gum disease;
inflammation of gum tissue, which causes bone loss resulting in tooth loss if, untreated.
Porcelain laminate veneer A thin porcelain shell bonded to the tooth to
correct imperfections in shape and color.
Plaque A film of sticky material containing saliva, food particles, and
bacteria that attach to the tooth surface both above and below the gum line. When left
on the tooth it can promote gum disease and tooth decay.
Primary teeth The first set of teeth that humans get, lasting until the
permanent teeth come in. Also referred to as deciduous teeth or baby teeth.
Prophy Simple cleaning of teeth with rubber wheel and dental toothpaste.
Restoration Any material or devise used to replace lost tooth structure
(filling, crown) or to replace a lost tooth or teeth (bridge, dentures, complete or
partial).
Root The part of the tooth below the crown, normally encased in the
jawbone. It is made up of dentine, includes the root canal, and is covered by cement.
Root canal The hollow part of the tooth's root. It runs from the tip of
the root into the pulp. |
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