Dental Dictionary
Understanding common dental terms and terminology
A
Abscess
A localized collection of pus in tissues, organs, or confined spaces, usually due to an infection.
Abutment
A tooth or implant that supports a dental prosthesis.
Amalgam
A mixture of metals used as a filling material for teeth.
B
Bridge
A fixed prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth.
Bruxism
The habit of grinding or clenching teeth, especially during sleep.
Bicuspid
A premolar tooth with two cusps, located between the canine and molar teeth.
C
Cavity
A hole in a tooth caused by decay.
Crown
A restoration that covers all or part of the tooth's surface.
Calculus
Hardened plaque that forms on teeth, also known as tartar.
D
Dentin
The layer of tooth structure beneath the enamel.
Dentures
Removable artificial teeth and gums used to replace missing teeth.
E
Enamel
The hard, outer surface layer of a tooth.
Endodontics
The dental specialty dealing with the tooth pulp and tissues surrounding the root.
F
Filling
Material used to restore missing tooth structure.
Fluoride
A mineral that helps prevent tooth decay.
G
Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums, the early stage of gum disease.
Gingiva
The gum tissue surrounding the teeth.
H
Halitosis
Bad breath; an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth.
Hygienist
A licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive dental care.
I
Implant
An artificial tooth root placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth.
Incisor
The front teeth used for biting.
J
Jaw
The bone structure that holds the teeth and forms the framework of the mouth.
L
Laminate
A thin shell of porcelain bonded to the front of teeth to improve appearance.
Local Anesthetic
Medication used to prevent pain in a specific area during dental procedures.
M
Molar
The large teeth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food.
Malocclusion
Improper alignment of teeth or bite.
N
Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis
A severe gum infection characterized by painful, bleeding gums.
Night Guard
A dental appliance worn at night to prevent teeth grinding.
O
Orthodontics
The dental specialty focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.
Occlusion
The relationship between the upper and lower teeth when they come together.
P
Periodontics
The dental specialty focusing on the supporting structures of teeth.
Plaque
A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
R
Root Canal
A procedure to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp.
Restoration
The replacement of missing tooth structure by artificial means.
S
Scaling
The removal of tartar from above and below the gum line.
Sealant
A plastic material applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent decay.
T
Tartar
Calcified plaque that has hardened on the teeth.
TMJ
Temporomandibular joint; the joint where the jaw connects to the skull.
V
Veneer
A thin covering placed over the front part of a tooth to improve appearance.
W
Whitening
The process of making teeth appear whiter through various dental procedures.
Wisdom Teeth
The third and final set of molars that usually appear in the late teens or early twenties.
X
X-ray
A radiographic image of teeth and surrounding structures used for diagnostic purposes.
Y
Yeast Infection
A fungal infection that can occur in the mouth, also known as oral thrush.
Yellow Teeth
Discoloration of teeth that can be caused by foods, beverages, tobacco use, or aging.
Z
Zinc Oxide Eugenol
A dental material used in temporary fillings and cement.
Zoom Whitening
A professional teeth whitening system that uses light activation to enhance the bleaching process.
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