Dental Terminology

Understanding dental terminology helps you understand your treatment options.

Dental World San Diego. Com is dedicated to providing you with information about dentists and dentistry.
We know this helps you make wise decisions about the dentist you choose, and your treatment.

GLOSSARY OF DENTAL TERMINOLOGY

-A-
Abscess-infection caused by severe decay, gum disease or trauma.
Amalgam-a mixture of silver and mercury that is used for fillings.
Anesthetic-a drug that is administered to you by a doctor, that puts you or a particular part of your body to sleep so that you do not feel pain during medical procedures.
Anterior Teeth-the teeth in the front of your mouth (centrals, laterals, and cuspids).
Antiseptic-a chemical agent which can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs.
Apex-the very bottom of the root of your tooth.
Aspirator-a suction tube/straw that the dentist uses to remove all the saliva from your mouth.

-B-

Bleaching-acid based gel used to condition teeth and make them whiter.
Bonding-the covering of a tooth surface to correct stained or damaged teeth, by painting a layer of plastic on the tooth.
Bridge-one or more artificial teeth attached, usually on both sides, by crowns to adjacent teeth. It is used to maintain space and function for missing teeth. May be made of gold or porcelain on gold.
Bruxism-unconscious clenching or grinding of your teeth, done most often at night.

-C-

Calculus-also known as tartar, calculus is hardened plaque that forms when you do not brush your teeth.
Canine-another name for cuspids, canine teeth are the pointy teeth just behind the laterals.
Caries-also known as cavities, caries are decayed teeth.
Cavity-a small hole in one of your teeth caused by tooth decay, also known as caries.
Central-the two upper and two lower teeth in the center of your mouth.
Crown-an artificial tooth, or an artificial cover for a tooth made of porcelain or metal used to repair a decayed or damaged tooth.
Cuspid-pointy teeth just behind the laterals, also known as canines.

-D-

Decalcification-the loss of calcium from your teeth which makes them more susceptible to decay.
Deciduous Teeth-your primary or "baby teeth".
Dental Implants-used to replace missing teeth. Implants are different than bridges in that the implant is permanently attached directly to the jawbone.
Denture-an artificial set of teeth that is removable.

-E-

Enamel-a natural, hard substance that protects the portion of your teeth above the gum-line.
Endodontist-a dentist who specializes in root canals and the treatment of diseases and infections that affect the nerve and blood vessels in the inner tooth.
Extraction-the removal of teeth (may be simple or require surgery).

-F-

Fillings-restoring of lost tooth structure by using materials such as: metal, alloy, cement, porcelain or synthetics.
Fluoride-a chemical solution that you put on your teeth to harden them and prevent tooth decay.

-G-

Gingivitis-inflammation of gum tissue caused by plaque or tartar build up.
Gums-pink areas around your teeth.

-I-

Impacted Tooth-usually associated with a wisdom tooth, it is a tooth that has somehow gotten stuck so that complete eruption is unlikely.
Implant-see dental implant.
Incisal-the biting edge of your front teeth (centrals and laterals).
Incisor-another name for the centrals and laterals.
Inlays-a custom-made filling cemented into a tooth that has lost its health structure.

-L-

Lateral-the teeth adjacent to the centrals.

-N-

Night Guard-a plastic mouthpiece to prevent damage from grinding teeth at night.

-P-

Pedontist-also known as a pediatric dentist, a dentist that specializes in the treatment of children's teeth.
Periodontist-a dentist that specializes in the treatment of gum disease.
Plaque-a sticky substance that causes tooth decay, and consists of acids and bacteria or salivary substance.
Posterior Teeth-the teeth in the back of your mouth (bicuspids and molars).
Primary Teeth-the first set of teeth that come in, also known as "baby teeth" or deciduous teeth.
Prosthodontist-a dentist who specializes in the restoration of teeth, and replacement of missing teeth.

-R-

Root-the portion of your tooth that can not be seen, and is below your gum-line.
Root Canal-cleaning out the inside nerve of a tooth that is heavily decayed, and replacing it with a filling material.

-S-

Sealant-plastic coating applied to grooves of teeth to prevent decay.
Secondary Teeth-your permanent teeth, the ones that come to replace your "baby teeth".
Six Year Molar-also known as your first molar.
Sleep Apnea-a disorder which is potentially fatal in which a person who is asleep may stop breathing multiple times for more than 10 seconds.

-T-

Tartar-see calculus.
TMJ disorder-disorder-disease associated with the joint where your lower jaw connects to your skull.
Tooth whitening-a process to lighten the color of teeth.
Twelve year molar-also known as your second molar.

-V-

Veneer-an artificial filling material, usually plastic, composite, or porcelain; used to provide an aesthetic covering over the visible surface of a tooth. Most often used on front teeth.