Terminology: Dentists and Dental Surgeons

Here are 56 terms commonly used by dentists and dental surgeons, along with their definitions:

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