A
Amalgam – A dental filling material made from a mixture of mercury and other metal alloys, used to fill cavities after tooth decay has been removed.
Anesthesia – Medications or agents that numb the sensation of pain during dental procedures.
Anterior Teeth – The front teeth, including the incisors and canines (cuspids).
Arch – The structure formed by the upper or lower jaw.
B
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay – Tooth decay in infants and toddlers caused by prolonged exposure to sugary liquids like formula, milk, and juice, which combine with saliva and form acid-producing bacteria.
Bicuspids – Premolar teeth, which have two cusps (pointed or rounded elevations) used for tearing and grinding food.
Bitewings – A type of dental X-ray that shows the crowns of the upper and lower teeth to help detect cavities.
Bonding – A procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied and hardened with a special light to restore or improve a person’s smile.
Bridge – A dental prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth or implants.
Bruxism – The habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep.
C
Calculus – Hardened plaque that forms on teeth or prosthetic devices, commonly known as tartar.
Canal – The space within the root of a tooth that contains the dental pulp (nerve and blood supply).
Canines – Also known as cuspids; the pointed teeth located between the incisors and premolars.
Canker Sore – A small ulcer that forms inside the mouth, typically with a white or yellow center and a red border; non-contagious and often painful.
Caries – Tooth decay caused by bacterial infection; also known as cavities.
Cold Sore – A contagious blister or sore typically found on or around the lips and nose, caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Composite Filling – A tooth-colored filling made of a resin-based material used to restore decayed teeth.
Composite Resin – A mixture of plastic and glass used in dental restorations for its aesthetic and bonding properties.
Contouring – The process of reshaping the natural teeth to improve their appearance or function.
Crown – A cap or covering placed over a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance; can also refer to the portion of the tooth above the gum line.
Cusps – The pointed parts on the chewing surface of the premolars and molars.
Cuspids – The pointed teeth located next to the incisors, also known as canines.
D
Dentin – The layer beneath the enamel of a tooth, making up most of the tooth’s structure; sensitive to pain.
Denture – A removable appliance used to replace missing teeth.
Dry Socket – A painful condition that can occur after a tooth extraction if the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges or dissolves.
E
Endodontics – A dental specialty focusing on the treatment of the tooth’s pulp and surrounding tissues, including root canal therapy.
Enamel – The hard, outermost layer of a tooth that protects it from decay.
F
Fluoride – A natural mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities.
Fluorosis – A condition caused by excessive exposure to fluoride, leading to mild discoloration of the teeth.
G
Gingiva – The gum tissue that surrounds and protects the teeth.
Gingivitis – The early stage of gum disease characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums due to plaque buildup.
Gum Disease – An infection or inflammation of the gum tissue, also known as periodontal disease.
I
Impacted Teeth – Teeth that are unable to fully emerge through the gums due to lack of space or improper positioning.
Implant – A surgical fixture placed in the jawbone to support a dental prosthesis, such as a crown, bridge, or denture.
Incisor – The front teeth, with sharp edges, designed for cutting food.
Inlay – A custom-made dental restoration that fits into the grooves of a tooth, often made from materials like porcelain, resin, or gold.
L
Laminate Veneer – A thin shell made of porcelain or composite resin that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance.
M
Malocclusion – A misalignment of the teeth or jaws, resulting in an improper bite.
Mandible – The lower jawbone.
Maxilla – The upper jawbone.
Molar – The large teeth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food.
N
Neuromuscular Dentistry – A dental approach that considers the alignment of the jaw and its impact on the muscles and nerves of the head and neck.
O
Onlay – A dental restoration that covers one or more cusps of a tooth to protect it from further damage.
Orthodontics – A specialty in dentistry that focuses on correcting teeth and jaw alignment issues.
Overdenture – A removable dental appliance that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants.
P
Palate – The roof of the mouth.
Partial Denture – A removable appliance that replaces missing teeth, usually secured with metal clasps to remaining teeth.
Pediatric Dentistry – A branch of dentistry dealing with the care of children’s teeth.
Perio Pocket – A gap that forms between the tooth and gum due to gum recession or periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease – A severe gum infection that can damage the soft tissue and destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
Periodontist – A dental specialist who diagnoses and treats gum disease.
Permanent Teeth – The second set of teeth that replace primary (baby) teeth; also known as adult teeth.
Plaque – A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, often leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
Posterior Teeth – The back teeth, including the premolars and molars, used for grinding food.
Primary Teeth – The first set of teeth in early childhood; also known as baby or temporary teeth.
Prophylaxis – A preventive dental cleaning procedure.
Prosthodontics – A dental specialty focused on designing and fitting artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth.
Pulp – The soft tissue inside a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.
R
Receding Gums – A condition where the gums pull back from the tooth surface, exposing the root and increasing the risk of decay and infection.
Resin Filling – A tooth-colored filling material made of composite resin used to restore decayed teeth.
Root Canal – A procedure to remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth and fill it with a sealing material.
Root Planing – A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the roots of teeth to treat gum disease.
S
Sealant – A protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay.
Sleep Apnea – A condition where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep, which may be treated with dental appliances.
T
TMJ – Temporomandibular joint disorder, affecting the joint connecting the jaw to the skull, often causing pain and restricted movement.
Tartar – Hardened plaque that forms on teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional.
Tooth Abscess – A pocket of pus caused by an infection in or around a tooth.
Tooth Sensitivity – Discomfort or pain in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances.
V
Veneer – A thin layer of material placed over a tooth to improve its appearance, usually made of porcelain or resin.
W
Whitening – A cosmetic dental procedure using bleaching agents to restore or enhance the color of teeth.
Wisdom Tooth – The third and final set of molars that typically emerge during the late teens or early twenties.
