Here are 56 terms commonly used by dentists and dental surgeons, along with their definitions:
- Abfraction: A wedge-shaped defect at the cervical (neck) area of the tooth, often caused by stress or bruxism.
- Abrasion: The wearing away of tooth structure by mechanical means, such as aggressive brushing.
- Abscess: A localized collection of pus, often due to a bacterial infection.
- Alveolar Bone: The bone that supports and surrounds the roots of teeth.
- Amalgam: A dental filling material made of a mixture of metals, including mercury.
- Anesthesia (Local): Elimination of sensation in a specific area, used to numb the area before dental procedures.
- Anterior Teeth: The front teeth (incisors and canines).
- Apex: The tip of the root of a tooth.
- Apicoectomy: Surgical removal of the apex of a tooth root, often to treat a persistent infection.
- Attrition: The wearing away of tooth structure due to tooth-to-tooth contact.
- Bicuspid (Premolar): A tooth with two cusps, located between the canine and molar teeth.
- Biopsy: Removal of a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope.
- Bonding: The process of adhering a tooth-colored material to the tooth surface.
- Bruxism: Grinding or clenching of the teeth, often unconsciously.
- Calculus (Tartar): Hardened plaque on the teeth.
- Candidiasis: A fungal infection, often occurring in the mouth (thrush).
- Canine: A pointed tooth located between the incisors and premolars.
- Caries (Tooth Decay): Destruction of tooth structure caused by bacteria.
- Cementum: The thin layer of calcified tissue that covers the root of a tooth.
- Crown: The portion of the tooth visible above the gum line, or a restoration that covers the entire visible part of a damaged tooth.
- Curettage: Scraping and cleaning of the gum tissue around a tooth.
- Cusp: A pointed or rounded projection on the chewing surface of a tooth.
- Dental Implant: A titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.
- Denture: A removable appliance that replaces missing teeth and surrounding tissues.
- Distal: Toward the back of the mouth.
- Edentulous: Without teeth.
- Enamel: The hard, outermost layer of a tooth.
- Extraction: Removal of a tooth.
- Filling (Restoration): A material used to repair a cavity in a tooth.
- Fistula: An abnormal passage that connects an abscess to the oral cavity or skin.
- Fluoride: A mineral that helps prevent tooth decay.
- Gingiva (Gums): The soft tissue that surrounds the teeth and covers the jawbone.
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums.
- Impacted Tooth: A tooth that is blocked from erupting fully.
- Incisor: A front tooth, used for cutting.
- Malocclusion: A misalignment of the teeth or jaws.
- Mandible: The lower jaw bone.
- Maxilla: The upper jaw bone.
- Molar: A large, flat tooth located in the back of the mouth, used for grinding food.
- Occlusion: The way the upper and lower teeth fit together when biting.
- Oral Hygiene: Practices that maintain oral health, such as brushing and flossing.
- Orthodontics: A branch of dentistry that corrects malocclusion.
- Periapical: Relating to the apex (tip) of the tooth root.
- Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): An infection of the gums and supporting bone structures.
- Periodontitis: A severe form of periodontal disease that involves bone loss.
- Plaque: A sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth.
- Pontic: The artificial tooth in a bridge that replaces a missing tooth.
- Prophylaxis (Cleaning): Professional cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque and calculus.
- Prosthodontics: The branch of dentistry concerned with the replacement of missing teeth and supporting structures.
- Pulp: The soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatics.
- Radiograph (X-ray): An image of the teeth and surrounding structures produced using radiation.
- Root Canal: The space inside the root of a tooth that contains the pulp.
- Sealant: A protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The joint that connects the mandible to the skull.
- Veneer: A thin, tooth-colored covering bonded to the front surface of a tooth.
- Wisdom Tooth (Third Molar): The last molar to erupt, often impacted.