Dentistry glossary

Terms and their meaning in dentistry.

Curious about what a particular dental term means exactly? In our list of terms about dentistry, you will find clear explanations of terms such as caries, implant, and root canal treatment. Whether you're considering treatment or just curious, this list will help you better understand each dental term.

List of terms

Abscess

A collection of pus that forms as a result of an infection, usually around the root of a tooth.

Anamnesis

The medical history of a patient, including previous treatments and health issues.

Apicoectomy

Surgical removal of the tip of a root during a root canal treatment.

Bitewing

An X-ray that helps detect tooth decay between the teeth.

Bleaching Tray

A custom-made holder used to apply a bleaching agent to the teeth for home use.

Bridge

A fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth or implants.

Canine Teeth

The sharp teeth located next to the incisors, used to tear food.

Caries

Tooth decay caused by bacteria that produce acids that attack the tooth enamel.

Crown

A cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, function, and aesthetics.

Dental Anxiety

Fear or phobia related to dental visits or treatments.

Dental Insurance

Insurance that covers the costs of dental treatments.

Dental Restoration

The restoration of the function and aesthetics of a tooth through fillings, crowns, bridges, or implants.

Denture / Prosthesis

A replacement for one or more missing teeth, such as a set of dentures.

Extraction

The removal of a tooth from the jaw.

Filling

Material used to fill a cavity or damage in a tooth.

Flossing

Cleaning the spaces between teeth with a special thread to remove plaque.

Fluoride

A mineral used to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums, often the first stage of gum disease.

Gum Recession

Recession of the gum tissue that exposes the root of the tooth.

Implant

An artificial root, usually made of titanium, placed in the jaw to replace a missing tooth.

Incisors

The front teeth in the mouth, used to bite off food.

Inlay

A dental restoration placed inside the tooth to repair damage, without fully covering the tooth.

Local Anesthetic

An anesthetic agent injected to reduce pain during dental procedures.

Molar

One of the large back teeth used for grinding food.

Occlusion

The way the upper and lower teeth come together when closing the mouth.

Onlay

A restoration that covers one or more cusps of a tooth, but not the entire tooth like a crown.

Orthodontics

The branch of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws.

Pericoronitis

Inflammation of the gum around a partially erupted wisdom tooth.

Periodontitis

A serious gum inflammation that affects the supporting structures of the teeth and can lead to tooth loss.

Plaque

A sticky, colorless layer of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums.

Premolar

Teeth located between the canines and molars, used for grinding and tearing food.

Pulp

The innermost tissue of the tooth, consisting of nerves and blood vessels.

Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

An electrically powered toothbrush that is generally more effective at removing plaque than manual brushes.

Root Canal Treatment

A procedure in which the dental nerve and surrounding tissue are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and filled.

Sealant

A thin protective layer applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent tooth decay.

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)

The joint that connects the jaw to the skull, which can sometimes cause pain or dysfunction.

Tartar (Calculus)

Hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing and requires professional cleaning.

Tooth Discoloration

Discoloration of the teeth due to food, beverages, tobacco, or other factors.

Veneers

Thin layers of porcelain or composite placed over the front of the teeth to make aesthetic improvements.

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