A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U W X Y Z
A
Abrasion
The wearing away of tooth structure through some unusual or abnormal mechanical process, such as tooth grinding, an improper bite, a hard toothbrush or poor brushing technique.
Abscess
Localized inflammation in the bone and/or soft tissue (tooth and/or gum), usually caused by an infection. Abscesses commonly occur at the end of the root tip and are the result of severe decay, trauma or gum disease. Symptoms include pain and swelling.
Abutment
Teeth or implants that are used to support a fixed or removable bridge.
Acrylic
A plastic used to make artificial teeth, retainers, and other dental and orthodontic appliances. Acrylic is commonly used because it is easy to cast, mold or use for coatings and adhesives.
Air Abrasion
The use of air and an abrasive (usually tiny particles of aluminum oxide air-blasted in a stream of water) to remove tooth structure, such as decayed debris and ruined enamel of cavities. This is a relatively new technology in dentistry that often avoids the need for anesthetic.
Alginate
A rubber-like compound used to take impressions of patients' teeth.
Alveolar Bone
The bone surrounding the roots of teeth.
Alveoloplasty
A surgical procedure used to reshape remaining alveolar bone, usually to prepare for a complete or partial denture.
Amalgam
The most common material used for the dental filling that is used to repair decayed teeth (cavities). Commonly referred to as silver fillings, amalgam is typically silver colored and is made with a mix of silver, tin, mercury and some other trace elements, such as copper. Amalgams are usually placed on the back or posterior teeth. The advantages of amalgam are that placement is easier than other materials and it is less expensive. The disadvantages are the color and the fact that filling breaks down in 10-20 years.
Analgesia
A state of insensitivity to pain, even though the subject is fully conscious.
Anatomy
The study of the structure of the body and the relationship between its parts.
Anesthesia
Entire or partial loss or absence of feeling or sensation; a state of general or local insensibility produced by disease or by the inhalation, injection or application of an anesthetic.
Anesthetic
A drug that causes temporary loss of bodily sensations.
Anterior
An adjective used to describe things pertaining to front teeth (central incisors, lateral incisors and cuspids).
Antibiotic
A drug that has the capacity to kill or stop the growth of germs (bacteria).
Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Administering antibiotics to patients who are at high risk for bacterial endocarditis (inflammation of the endocardium, the membrane lining the cavities of the heart) before performing dental procedures. Antibiotics help kill bacteria that may enter the bloodstream during dental procedures.
Antiseptic
A substance that can be applied to living tissues to inhibit the growth and development of germs.
ANUG
An acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, more commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent's disease. It is a bacterial infection and ulceration of the gum tissue between teeth, caused by advanced tooth decay (tooth caries), poor dental hygiene, throat infection or smoking. In severe cases, antibiotics or minor surgery may be necessary to prevent scarred gums from harboring plaque and particles of food.
Apex
The tip or end of the root of a tooth.
Apicoectomy
Removal of the tip or end of the root end of a tooth (apex) to treat an infection.
Arch
The curved structure of the natural dentition or alveolar ridge. The two arches in the oral cavity are the maxilla and mandible.
Armamentarium
A general term for the dental chairs, lights and equipment used by dentists.
Articulator
A mechanical device that holds models of the teeth in the same alignment as a patient's jaw so dentists can study a patient's bite and jaw movements.
Asepsis
The state of being free from microorganisms (germs).
Aspirator
A tube like a straw, connected to a suction machine, that the dentist puts in a patient's mouth to remove excess saliva during dental procedures.
Autoclave
A device that sterilizes instruments or materials using high pressure, heat and/or chemicals.
B
Baby Teeth
A child's first set of twenty teeth that are eventually replaced by permanent teeth. Also known as primary or deciduous teeth.
Base
A cement or other insulating material applied under a filling or crown to decrease sensitivity to heat or cold and to protect the pulp. Also, the portion of a denture or partial denture that is supported by the alveolar ridge and carries the artificial teeth.
Bicuspid (Premolar)
The two-cusped, double-pointed teeth found between the molar and the cuspid (canine tooth). Each person's mouth has eight bicuspids - two in each quadrant.
Biomechanics
The relationship between the force applied to living tissue, such as teeth and gums, and how the tissue moves and changes.
Bite
The way the mouth closes and how the upper and lower teeth come together. Also called occlusion.
Bitewing X-rays
X-rays showing primarily the coronal halves of the upper and lower teeth on the same film.
Bleaching
The process of applying a chemical agent, or use of other technology, to whiten teeth.
Bonding
Adhering a tooth-colored substance to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth (most often a front tooth). In orthodontic terms, it is the process of attaching the brackets (part of braces) to teeth using a special adhesive.
Bone Loss
The breakdown and loss of the bone that supports the roots of teeth. Bone loss is usually the result of infection from gum disease or long-term stress on the chewing areas of the teeth (occlusal stress).
Bone Resorption
The gradual loss of bone.
Braces
An orthodontic appliance that corrects dental irregularities by gradually repositioning the teeth.
Bridge
A prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth. Bridges span the space between teeth and can either be permanent or removable. They are secured in place by attaching to abutment teeth or implants adjacent to the space.
Bruxism
The involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, especially during sleep.
Buccal
The surface of a tooth that is toward the inside of the cheek.
C
Calcium
An element taken in through the diet that is essential for healthy teeth, bones and nerves.
Calculus
A hard deposit of mineralized plaque that forms on the crown and/or root of the tooth. Also referred to as tartar. Calculus ranges from yellow to brown and forms on teeth when oral hygiene is improper or incomplete and plaque is allowed to harden.
Canal
The narrow chamber inside the root of the tooth that contains the nerve and blood vessels.
Canine Tooth (see Cuspid)
Canker Sore
A type of benign mouth ulcer often caused by viral infection or vitamin deficiency. Canker sores generally last 10-14 days.
Cantilever Bridge
A fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth on only one side.
Cap
A common term for a crown restoration that usually refers to a crown for a front tooth.
Caries
Another name for cavities or tooth decay. It is the progressive breaking down or dissolving of tooth structure, caused by the acid produced when bacteria digest sugars.
Cavitron
A dental tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to clean teeth.
Cavity
A carious lesion in a tooth.
Cellulitis
An acute inflammation of the deep subcutaneous (below the skin) tissues and sometimes muscle, which can be associated with abscess formation. Symptoms include fever, swelling, redness and pain. It is usually caused by the infection of a wound by various bacteria. This condition is especially dangerous for children.
Cement
A special type of adhesive used to hold crowns, permanent bridges and certain appliances in place.
Cementum
A thin layer of calcified tissue that has the hardness of bone and covers the root surface of a tooth.
Central Incisors
The two teeth at the midline in both the upper and lower arches.
Cephalometric X-Rays
An X-ray of the head that allows the dentist to study the alignment of the teeth, jaws and jaw joints. Used primarily by orthodontists to diagnose and plan treatment.
Clasp
A device that is used to hold a removable partial denture in place.
Clenching
The forceful holding together of the upper and lower teeth.
Composite Filling
A tooth-colored filling material that combines a resin with quality particles.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Any dental treatment or repair that is solely rendered to improve the appearance of the teeth or mouth.
Crown
The portion of the tooth covered by enamel. Also a type of restoration that covers all or most of a decayed or damaged tooth. Restorative crowns are usually made of gold, porcelain or a combination of both and are used when a tooth cannot be restored with a filling.
Crown Lengthening
A surgical procedure used to expose more tooth for restorative purposes.
Curettage
A procedure that entails the scraping of the gums or other diseased tissue to remove bacteria and infected gum tissue.
Cuspids
Used for biting and tearing, they are large single-cusped (pointed) teeth, located between the incisors and bicuspids. Also known as canine teeth or eye teeth.
Cusps
The high points on the biting or chewing surfaces of the cuspids, bicuspids or molars.
Cyst
A closed sac, usually containing fluid or semi-solid material, that develops abnormally as the result of an infection.
D
Decalcification
The loss of calcium from teeth. This weakens teeth and makes them more susceptible to decay.
Decay
The destruction or decomposition of organic matter as a result of acid produced by bacterial or fungal action. See Caries.
Deciduous Teeth
A child's first set of twenty teeth that are eventually replaced by permanent teeth. Also known as primary or baby teeth.
Dental Floss
A waxed or unwaxed piece of nylon thread that is used to remove food particles or plaque from between the teeth. It is inserted between the teeth and moved in an up and down fashion to clean teeth.
Dental Hygienist
A person trained at an accredited school or dental college and licensed by the state in which they reside to provide treatment for the prevention of periodontal diseases or other dental diseases under the direction of a licensed dentist. Treatment includes the cleaning of the teeth in the dental office using the procedures of dental scaling and dental polishing.
Dental Implant
An artificial device usually made of a metal alloy or ceramic that is implanted within the jaw bone to replace the tooth root and is used to anchor an artificial tooth, crown, or bridge. It is different than a bridge because it is permanently attached to the jaw.
Dentin
The hard tissue that forms the bulk of the tooth. The crown portion is covered with enamel and the root portion with cementum.
Dentition
The natural teeth and how they are arranged in the mouth after eruption. The dentition may be made up of primary teeth, permanent teeth or a combination of both.
Denture
A prosthetic replacement for all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. This artificial set of teeth is removable.
Diastema
A space between two teeth. Often refers to a space between two front teeth.
Direct Pulp Cap
A procedure in which the exposed pulp is covered with a dressing or cement to protect it and promote healing and repair via formation of secondary dentin.
Distal
Identifies the location of a tooth or tooth surface that is situated farthest from the midline of the mouth.
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
A degree that is given to dental school graduates. Same as DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery.
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
A degree that is given to dental school graduates. Same as DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine.
Drift
Unwanted movement of teeth.
Dry Socket
A localized inflammation of the tooth socket that sometimes occurs after tooth extraction, particularly after traumatic extraction like wisdom tooth removal. It is often accompanied by severe pain and foul odor.
E
Edentulous
Having no teeth or being toothless in an area, an arch or an entire mouth.
Enamel
The hard, calcified portion of the tooth that covers the outside of the tooth (crown). It is the hardest substance in the body.
Endodontics
The branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the dental pulp and periapical area. The most common procedure in this area is root canal treatment.
Endodontist
A dentist who specializes in root canals and the treatment of diseases or injuries that affect the pulp of teeth.
Eruption
The act of breaking out, appearing or becoming visible, as eruption of the teeth. The tooth is said to erupt when it breaks through the surface of the gums and can be seen in the mouth.
Excision
The surgical removal of bone or tissue.
Exostosis
A bony growth or projection on the surface of a bone.
Explorer
A pointed instrument that is used to examine the surfaces of teeth and dental restorations.
Extracoronal
The external surface or area around the crown of a tooth.
Extraction
The act of extracting or drawing out a tooth. This procedure is used when a tooth is severely decayed, broken, loose, or causing crowding. It can be a simple procedure or may require surgery.
Extraoral
Pertaining to the outside of the mouth.
Extrusion
Tooth movement in the direction of eruption. It can be natural - the tooth grows until there is contact with another tooth - or mechanical - the tooth is pulled so that it extends farther out of the gums.
Eyetooth (see Cuspid)
F
Facing
The visible portion of a crown. It may be made of acrylic, composite or porcelain.
Filling
A material that is used to replace part of a tooth that is decayed or needs repair. Fillings restore tooth structure with materials such as metal alloy, cement, porcelain or synthetics.
Filtrum
The dimple or indentation under the nose directly above the upper lip.
Fistula
An abnormal duct or passage resulting from injury, disease, or a congenital disorder that connects an abscess, a cavity, or a hollow organ to the body surface or to another hollow organ.
Flap Surgery
The loosening of gums from bone to expose and clean underlying tooth structures.
Floss
A waxed or unwaxed piece of nylon thread that is used to remove food particles or plaque from the teeth. It is inserted between the teeth and moved in an up and down fashion to clean teeth.
Fluoride
A chemical compound used to prevent dental decay. It is found in fluoridated water systems and/or is applied directly to the teeth. Fluoride strengthens the surface of the teeth to prevent tooth decay.
Forceps
A dental instrument that is used to remove a tooth.
Frenectomy
The removal of the frenum, a thin cord of tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Frenum
Small pieces of skin that attach the lips, cheeks and tongue to the mouth. Examples are the piece of skin under the tongue that sticks out when the tongue is lifted and the piece of skin that sticks out when lips are pulled away from the teeth.
G
General Anesthesia
A controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of pain sensation, protective reflexes, including loss of ability to independently maintain airway and respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command. General anesthesia relieves the sensation of pain on the whole body.
Gingiva
The soft tissue that covers the jaw bone and also surrounds the necks of the teeth. Also referred to as the gums.
Gingivectomy
The surgical removal of gingival (gum) tissue.
Gingivitis
The inflammation of the gum tissue. Gingivitis is a common and reversible gum disease caused by plaque and/or tartar build-up.
Gingivoplasty
A surgical procedure to reshape or repair the gingival (gum) tissue to correct deformities, particularly enlargements.
Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)
A technique for replacing bone tissue lost between roots of teeth.
Gums (see Gingiva)
H
Halitosis
Bad breath that can be caused by smoking, poor dental hygiene, alcoholism, throat infection, dental infection, sinus infection, lung infection, gum disease, an impacted tooth or a foreign body in the nose (children). Regular dental flossing and brushing can reduce this problem.
Hydrogen Peroxide (H202)
A compound used as a dental whitening agent and mouthwash.
Hygienist
A person trained at an accredited school or dental college and licensed by the state in which they practice to provide treatment for the prevention of periodontal diseases or other dental diseases under the direction of a licensed dentist. Treatment includes the cleaning of the teeth in the dental office using the procedures of dental scaling and dental polishing. It may include plaque detection, removal of plaque and calculus, application of caries-preventing agents, checking of restorations and prostheses, and checking for signs of food impaction.
I
Impacted Tooth
An unerupted or partially erupted tooth that remains fully or partially embedded and covered over by bone or gum tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely. It is usually associated with a wisdom tooth.
Implant
An artificial device, usually made of a metal alloy or ceramic that is implanted within the jaw bone to replace tooth root and is used to anchor an artificial tooth, crown, or bridge. It is different than a bridge because it is permanently attached to the jaw.
Incision and Drainage
An incision made in an abscess to drain out the pus and heal the infection. Pertaining to the biting edge of the central and lateral incisors.
Incisors
The four front teeth (anterior teeth) in each arch that are referred to as central and lateral incisors. They are located in the upper and lower jaws and are used to cut and tear food. The central incisors are the two large teeth in the middle of the mouth and the lateral incisors are next to the central incisors, one on each side.
Indirect Pulp Cap
A procedure in which a nearly exposed pulp is covered with a dressing or cement to protect it and promote healing and repair via formation of secondary dentin.
Inlay
A custom-made gold, porcelain or composite restoration that is cemented into the tooth to fill a cavity. It is placed within the cusps of a tooth.
Interproximal
The space between two adjacent teeth.
Interproximal Stripping
A procedure that reduces the enamel on both sides of a tooth to create space for crowded teeth.
Intracoronal
The area within the crown of a tooth.
Intraoral
Pertaining to the inside of the mouth.
Irrigation
The technique of using a solution to wash out of the mouth and to flush debris.
J
K
L
Labial
The tooth surface next to the lips.
Laminate
A thin plastic or porcelain veneer produced in a dental laboratory that is bonded to a tooth to improve its appearance.
Lateral Incisors
The teeth that are next to the central incisors, one on each side.
Laughing Gas
A common name for nitrous oxide. It is used to reduce anxieties, relax patients and decrease sensitivity to pain.
Lingual
The tooth surface next to the tongue.
Local Anesthesia
Use of an anesthetic drug to eliminate the sensation of pain in a localized area. It can be applied topically or via a regional injection.
M
Malocclusion
"Bad bite" or misalignment between the upper and lower teeth. It relates to any condition that does not conform to the normal bite of the teeth.
Mandible
The lower jaw.
Mandibular
Pertaining to the lower jaw.
Maryland Bridge
The trade name that has become synonymous with a bridge that is bonded or cemented only to the backs of the adjacent teeth.
Masticate
To chew food and mix the food with saliva.
Mastication
The act of chewing.
Maxilla
The upper jaw.
Maxillary
Pertaining to the upper jaw.
Mesial
The surface of the tooth that in normal occlusion is nearest the midline.
Mixed Dentition
The situation when both permanent teeth and deciduous teeth (baby teeth) are present.
Molars
The largest teeth in the mouth, these broad, multi-cusped back teeth are used to grind food before swallowing. 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.
N
Nerve
Commonly used to refer to the tooth pulp, which is the sensitive innermost portion of a tooth.
Night Guard
A removable acrylic device used to minimize the effects of grinding the teeth (bruxism) or joint problems (TMJ). It is usually worn at night to prevent the grinding of teeth or relieve joint pain. Also known as an occlusal guard.
Nitrous Oxide
A controlled mixture of nitrogen and oxygen gases (N2O) that is inhaled by the patient to reduce anxiety and decrease sensitivity to pain. Also referred to as laughing gas.
Novocaine
A generic name for the many kinds of local anesthetics, such as Xylocaine, Lidocaine and Novocaine, that are used during certain dental procedures.
O
Occlusal
The chewing or grinding surface of a bicuspid and molar teeth (back teeth).
Occlusal Guard
A removable acrylic device used to minimize the effects of grinding the teeth (bruxism) or joint problems (TMJ). It is usually worn at night to prevent the grinding of teeth or relieve joint pain. Also known as a night guard.
Occlusal Plane
The imaginary plane on which upper and lower teeth meet.
Occlusal X-ray
An intraoral X-ray that is taken with the film held between the upper and lower teeth in biting position. The X-ray shows the entire upper or lower arch on one film.
Occlusion
The alignment and spacing of the upper and lower teeth when they bite together; often called "the bite."
Onlay
A cast gold or porcelain restoration that is extended to cover the cusps for protection of the tooth. It can also be used to replace one or more of the cusps of a tooth.
Open Bite
A malocclusion in which the teeth do not close or come together in the front of the mouth.
Operative Dentistry
The restoration of decayed and broken teeth with silver, gold and tooth-colored materials.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
A specialist who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures.
Oral Hygiene
The practice of personal hygiene of the mouth. It includes the maintenance of oral cleanliness, tissue tone and general preservation of oral health.
Oral Surgery
Operations in and about the oral cavity and jaws, such as extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of broken jaws.
Orthodontia
Braces.
Orthodontics
A specialized branch of dentistry that corrects malocclusion and restores the teeth to proper alignment and function. The treatment usually consists of braces or other appliances to correct a patient's bite, straighten the teeth and treat problems related to growth and development of the jaws.
Orthodontist
A dentist who has been specially trained in orthodontics.
Overbite
The vertical overlapping of the upper teeth over the lower teeth when the jaw is closed.
Overdenture
A denture that fits over tooth roots or dental implants.
Overjet
The horizontal projection of upper teeth beyond the lower when the jaw is closed. This condition can be corrected with orthodontics.
P
Palate
The hard and soft tissues that form the roof of the mouth.
Panorex
An X-ray taken outside of the mouth that shows all the teeth on one film.
Partial Denture
A removable appliance (prosthesis) that replaces one or more missing teeth.
Pediatric Dentistry
A specialized branch of dentistry that deals solely with treating children's dental disease. Also referred to as pedodontics.
Pedodontics
The treatment of children's teeth.
Periapical
An X-ray that shows the whole tooth (above and below the gum line), including the apex of the root. Also known as PA.
Pericoronitis
An inflammation of the gum tissue around the crown of a tooth.
Perio Charting
A diagnostic procedure that measures the depth of periodontal pockets, the degree that the gums have detached from the side of the tooth due to periodontal disease.
Periodontal
Relating to the tissue and bone that supports the teeth.
Periodontal Disease
The inflammation and infection of gums, ligaments, bone, and other tissues surrounding the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main forms of periodontal disease. Also called gum disease or pyorrhea.
Periodontal Pocket
A pocket that forms when the gums detach from the side of the tooth. It is caused when disease and infection destroy the ligament that attaches the gum to the tooth and the underlying bone.
Periodontal Surgery
A surgical procedure involving the gums and jaw bone.
Periodontics
The branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases affecting the supporting bone, ligaments and surrounding tissues (gums) of the teeth.
Periodontist
A specialist who treats the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
Periodontitis
Inflammation of the supporting structures of the tooth, including the gum, the periodontal ligament, and the jaw bone. This advanced gum disease can cause bone loss that will result in tooth loss if untreated.
Periradicular
The area that surrounds the root of the tooth.
Permanent Dentition
The thirty-two adult teeth that replace the baby (primary teeth). Also known as secondary teeth or the permanent teeth.
Permanent Teeth
The thirty-two adult teeth that replace the baby (primary teeth). Also known as secondary teeth or the permanent dentition.
Pit
A recessed area found on the surface of a tooth, usually where the grooves of the tooth meet.
Plaque
A sticky film containing saliva and bacteria that attaches to the tooth surface above and below the gum line. If it is not removed by daily brushing and flossing and regular professional care, it causes tooth decay and gum disease.
Pontic
The part of a bridge that replaces the missing teeth (a false tooth).
Porcelain Crown
A porcelain cap that covers the crown of the tooth to repair it or change its shape and/or color.
Porcelain Veneer
A thin layer of porcelain that adheres to a surface of a tooth to repair it or change its color and/or shape.
Post
A thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy to provide retention for a "core" or buildup of material that replaces the lost tooth structure.
Post-Core
A post and a buildup of material that replaces the lost tooth structure.
Post-Crown
A single structure that combines a post-core and crown.
Posterior
An adjective used to describe things pertaining to the back of the mouth or the back teeth.
Posterior Teeth
The bicuspids and molars. These are the teeth in the back of the mouth.
Premolar
One of eight bicuspid teeth located in pairs on each side of the upper and lower jaws behind the canines and in front of the molars.
Primary Teeth
A child's first set of twenty teeth that are eventually replaced by permanent teeth. Also known as deciduous or baby teeth.
Prophy
Short for prophylaxis.
Prophylaxis
Teeth cleaning; the scaling and polishing of the crowns of the teeth to remove calculus, plaque, and stains. This procedure helps to prevent disease.
Prosthodontics
The dental specialty that involves design, construction, and fitting of crowns, fixed bridges, partial dentures and complete dentures to replace missing teeth or restore oral structures.
Prosthodontist
A dentist who specializes in the restoration of teeth and replacement of missing teeth with bridges and dentures.
Proximal
Refers to the surfaces of teeth that touch the next tooth. The space between adjacent teeth is the interproximal space.
Pulp
The soft inner structure of a tooth, consisting of its nerve and blood vessels
Pulp Chamber
The very inner part of a tooth containing nerve cells and blood vessels. Also known as the pulp canal.
Pulpectomy
The removal of the pulp from the canals in the root of the tooth.
Pulpitis
Inflammation of the pulp. It is a common cause of toothaches.
Pulpotomy
The removal of a portion of the tooth's pulp.
Pyorrhea
The inflammation and infection of gums, ligaments, bone and other tissues surrounding the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main forms of periodontal disease. Also called gum disease or periodontal disease.
Q
Quadrant
The dental term for the division of the jaws into four parts. The quadrants begin at the midline of the arch and extend towards the last tooth in the back of the mouth - the upper left, the upper right, the lower left, and the lower right. There are four quadrants in the mouth, and each quadrant generally contains five to eight teeth.
R
Root Canal Therapy (R.C.T.)
A procedure where the nerve of a tooth is removed from the canal inside the root and replaced with a filling material.
Root Planing
Deep cleaning of the teeth to remove calculus below the gum line and to smooth the root surface. This procedure is used help the gums to reattach to the tooth and ultimately reduce the depth of a periodontal pocket.
S
Sagittal Plane
The longitudinal vertical plane that divides the mouth into two halves (left and right.)
Saliva
The secretions from the salivary and oral mucous glands that lubricate chewed food, moisten the oral walls, and initiate the digestion of starches.
Saliva Ejector
A suction tube that is placed in a patient's mouth to remove saliva during dental procedures.
Salivary Glands
Glands located under the tongue and in the cheeks that produce saliva.
Scaling
A tooth-cleaning procedure used to remove plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Sealant
A composite material, usually a plastic coating, that is bonded to the biting surface of teeth to seal decay prone pits, fissures and grooves of teeth to prevent decay.
Secondary Dentin
A type of dentin that is produced by tooth pulp as a protective mechanism in response to tooth irritation. Its stimulation is the primary goal of pulp-capping treatment.
Secondary Teeth
The thirty-two adult teeth that replace the baby (primary teeth). Also known as permanent teeth or the permanent dentition.
Six-Year Molar
The first permanent tooth to erupt, usually between the ages of five and six.
Socket
An opening in the jaw bone into which teeth fit.
Space Maintainer
A dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth. It prevents the other teeth from moving into that space so the permanent teeth can erupt in their proper time and place.
Splint
A dental device used to connect two or more teeth so they function as a stronger single structure. It may be removable or fixed.
Stainless Steel Crown
A pre-made metal crown, shaped like a tooth, that is used to temporarily cover a seriously decayed or broken down tooth. Used most often on children's deciduous teeth (baby teeth).
Subgingival Scaling
The removal of calculus and plaque from the surfaces of teeth below the gum line.
Sulcus
The normal space between the gum tissue and the tooth.
Supernumerary Tooth
An extra tooth.
Supra Gingival Scaling
The removal of calculus and plaque from teeth above the gum line.
T
Tartar (see Calculus)
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
A term to used to describe a condition of the temporomandibular joint. This condition is characterized by facial pain, restricted ability to open/move the jaw, popping/clicking noises and pain in the joint.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The joint that connects the lower jaw and the base of the skull.
Third Molar
The last teeth to come in, the third molars usually erupt when a person is 18-25 years of age. There are four third molars, two in the lower jaw and two in the upper jaw, one on each side. Often the third molars are impacted (obstructed from erupting) and have to be extracted. Some people are born without third molars. Also known as wisdom teeth.
TMJ Disorder (see Temporomandibular Disorder)
Tooth Bud
An early embryonic structure that becomes a tooth.
Tooth Whitening
A cosmetic dental procedure used to lighten the color of teeth and remove stains.
Torus
A common bony growth that is an elevation or protuberance of normal bone. It is usually seen on the upper palate behind the front teeth or under the tongue inside the lower jaw.
Trench Mouth (see ANUG)
U
Ultrasonic Cleaning
A cleaning procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to remove deposits, such as tartar and stain, from the teeth.
Unerupted Tooth
A tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the jaw.
V
Veneer
A plastic or porcelain facing that is bonded directly to a tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers are most often used on front teeth.
Vincent's Disease (see ANUG)
Virgin Teeth
Teeth that have no decay or fillings.
W
Wisdom Teeth
The last teeth to come in, the wisdom teeth usually erupt when a person is 18-25 years of age. There are four wisdom teeth, two in the lower jaw and two in the upper jaw, one on each side. Often the wisdom teeth are impacted (obstructed from erupting) and have to be extracted. Some people are born without wisdom teeth. Also known as third molars.
X
Xerostomia
A dryness of the mouth caused by a decrease in production of saliva.
X-ray
Electromagnetic vibrations of short wave length that penetrate most matter and produce an image on film.
Y
Z