Dental Dictionary
Understanding common dental terms and procedures
Understanding Dental Terms
Our dental dictionary helps you understand common dental terms and procedures. Knowledge is key to making informed decisions about your oral health.
A
Abscess
A localized infection filled with pus that can occur around the root of a tooth or in the gums.
Amalgam
A silver-colored filling material made from a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, and copper.
Anesthesia
Medication used to prevent pain during dental procedures.
B
Bridge
A fixed prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching to adjacent teeth.
Bruxism
The habit of grinding or clenching teeth, often during sleep.
C
Cavity
A hole in a tooth caused by decay.
Crown
A cap that covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Composite
A tooth-colored filling material used for restoring decayed teeth.
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, protective outer layer of a tooth.
Extraction
The removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.
F
Filling
Material used to restore a decayed portion of a tooth.
Fluoride
A mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel.
G
Gingivitis
Early stage of gum disease characterized by inflammation of the gums.
Gum Disease
Infection of the tissues that hold teeth in place; also called periodontal disease.
I
Implant
An artificial tooth root placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth.
Inlay
A custom-fitted filling made in a laboratory and cemented into a tooth.
P
Plaque
A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can cause decay.
Periodontal
Referring to the gums and other tissues that support the teeth.
R
Root Canal
A procedure to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp by removing it and sealing the space.
Restoration
The replacement of a missing or damaged tooth structure.
S
Scaling
The removal of tartar (calculus) and plaque from above and below the gum line.
Sealant
A plastic material applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay.
T
Tartar
Hardened plaque that has been left on teeth for an extended period; also called calculus.
TMJ
Temporomandibular joint; the joint where the lower jaw connects to the skull.
V
Veneer
A thin shell of porcelain or composite material bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance.
W
Whitening
A cosmetic procedure that lightens teeth and removes stains and discoloration.
Wisdom Teeth
The third and final set of molars that usually appear in the late teens or early twenties.
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