Dental Dictionary
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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.