Dental Dictionary

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.

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.

Teeth or implants that are used to support a fixed or removable bridge.

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.

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.

A rubber-like compound used to take impressions of patients' teeth.

The bone surrounding the roots of teeth.

A surgical procedure used to reshape remaining alveolar bone, usually to prepare for a complete or partial denture.

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.

A state of insensitivity to pain, even though the subject is fully conscious.

The study of the structure of the body and the relationship between its parts.

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.

A drug that causes temporary loss of bodily sensations.

An adjective used to describe things pertaining to front teeth (central incisors, lateral incisors and cuspids).

A drug that has the capacity to kill or stop the growth of germs (bacteria).

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.

A substance that can be applied to living tissues to inhibit the growth and development of germs.

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.

The tip or end of the root of a tooth.

Removal of the tip or end of the root end of a tooth (apex) to treat an infection.

The curved structure of the natural dentition or alveolar ridge. The two arches in the oral cavity are the maxilla and mandible.

The curved structure of the natural dentition or alveolar ridge. The two arches in the oral cavity are the maxilla and mandible.

A general term for the dental chairs, lights and equipment used by dentists.

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.

The state of being free from microorganisms (germs).

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.

A device that sterilizes instruments or materials using high pressure, heat and/or chemicals