Dental Dictionary
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F
Facing
The visible portion of a crown. It may be made of acrylic, composite or porcelain.
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.
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.