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Glossary of Common Dental Terms
-A-
Abscess-infection caused by severe tooth decay, trauma or gum disease.
Amalgam-a silver and mercury material used for fillings.
Anesthetic-a drug used by your doctor to eliminate a patient's localized pain during certain dental procedures.
Anterior Teeth-the teeth in the front of your mouth.
Antiseptic-an agent that can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs.
Apex-the very tip of the root of a tooth.
Aspirator-a suction devise your dentist uses to remove saliva from your mouth.
-B-
Bleaching Agent-a gel used to whiten and brighten teeth.
Bonding-a plastic composite painted on the teeth to correct stains or damage.
Bridge-one or more artificial teeth attached to your adjacent teeth.
Bruxism-the clenching or grinding of teeth, most commonly while sleeping.
-C-
Calculus-the hardened plaque that can form on neglected or prone teeth, commonly known as tartar.
Canine-the pointy teeth just behind the laterals.
Caries-another name for cavities or decayed teeth.
Cavity-a tiny hole in the tooth caused by decay.
Central-the two upper and two lower teeth in the center of the mouth.
Crown-an artificial tooth or cover made of porcelain or metal.
Cuspid-the pointy teeth just behind the laterals, also known as canines.
-D-
Decalcification-the loss of calcium from the teeth.
Deciduous Teeth-also called "baby teeth."
Dental Implants-an implant permanently attached to the jawbone that replaces a missing tooth or teeth.
Denture-a removable set of artificial teeth.
-E-
Enamel-the hard surface of the tooth above the gum line.
Endodontist-a dentist who specializes in root canals and the treatment of diseases and infections of the dental pulp (inner tooth).
Extraction-the removal of a tooth or teeth.
-F-
Filling-a plug made of metal or composite material used to fill a tooth cavity.
Fluoride-a chemical solution used to harden teeth and prevent decay.
-G-
Gingivitis-inflammation of gums around the roots of the teeth.
Gums-the firm flesh that surrounds the roots of the teeth.
-I-
Impacted Tooth-often occurring with wisdom tooth, it is a tooth that sits sideways below the gum line, often requiring extraction.
Incisal-related to incisors (see below).
Incisor-one of the flat, sharp-edged teeth in the front of the mouth.
Inlays-a custom-made filling cemented into an unhealthy tooth.
Instant Orthodontics-Alternative to braces using bonded porcelain veneers or crowns.
-L-
Lateral-these are the teeth adjacent to the centrals.
-N-
Night Guard-a plastic mouthpiece worn at night to prevent grinding of the teeth. Often used to treat TMJ.
-P-
Pedontist-also known as a pediatric dentist, a dentist that specializes in the treatment of children's teeth.
Periodontist-a dentist specializing in the treatment of gum disease.
Plaque-a sticky buildup of acids and bacteria that causes tooth decay.
Posterior Teeth-the teeth in the back of the mouth.
Primary Teeth-also known as "baby teeth" or deciduous teeth.
Prosthodontist-a dentist specializing in the restoration and replacement of missing teeth or severely damaged teeth.
-R-
Root-the portion of the tooth below your gum line.
Root Canal-cleaning out and filling the inside nerve of a tooth that is heavily decayed.
-S-
Sealant-plastic coating applied to teeth to prevent decay. Used most commonly for children.
Secondary Teeth-the permanent teeth.
Six-Year Molar-commonly known as "the first molar."
Sleep Apnea-a potentially serious disorder in which a sleeping person may stop breathing for10 seconds or more, often continuously throughout the night.
-T-
Tartar-see calculus.
TMJ Syndrome-a disorder associated with the joint of the jaw. Often caused by a misalignment of or a disparity in upper and lower jaw sizes.
Tooth whitening-a process designed to whiten and brighten teeth.
Twelve-year molar-commonly known as "the second molar."
-V-
Veneer-a plastic, porcelain or composite material used to improve the attractiveness of a stained or damaged tooth.
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