To use the glossary, choose a letter below | H | | K | | N | | Q | | W | | Y | Z |
AAbrasionTooth wear caused by forces other than chewing such as holding objects between the teeth or improper brushing. AbutmentA tooth (or implant) that supports a dental prosthesis. Alveolar boneThe part of the jaw that surround the roots of the teeth. Alveolar processThe curving part of the jaw into which the teeth are rooted. AlveolusThe socket in the alveolar bone into which the tooth’s root fits. AmalgamAn alloy used in direct dental restorations. AnalgesiaLoss of pain sensations without loss of consciousness. AnkylosisA condition where two hard tissues are fused together. When this happens to a tooth and the alveolar bone, the tooth partially erupts. Anesthesia
ApicoectomyRemoval of the tip of a tooth root. |
BBenignThe mild character of an illness or the non-malignant character of a neoplasm. BicuspidA premolar tooth; a tooth with two cusps. BilateralOccurring on, or pertaining to, both right and left sides. BiopsyProcess of removing tissue for histologic evaluation. Bitewing radiographsX-rays used to reveal the crowns of several upper and lower teeth as BleachingA cosmetic dental procedure that whitens the teeth using a bleaching BondingA composite resin applied to a tooth to change its shape and/or color. Bonding also refers to how a filling, orthodontic appliance or some fixed partial dentures are attached to teeth. BridgeSee Fixed Partial Denture and/or Removable Partial Denture. BruxismConstant grinding or clenching of teeth during they day or while asleep. |
CCalculusHard deposit of mineralized material adhering to crowns and/or roots CanalA relatively narrow tubular passage or channel.
CariogenicPromotes tooth decay. CariesCommonly used term for tooth decay. CavityDecay in tooth caused by caries; also referred to as carious lesion. CementumHard connective tissue covering the tooth root. Cleft LipBirth defect in which one or more fissures form in the upper lip, which Cleft PalateCongenital deformity resulting in lack of fusion of the soft and/or ClenchingThe clamping and pressing of the jaws and teeth together in centric occlusion, frequently associated with psychological stress or physical effort. CompositeA dental restorative material made up of disparate or separate parts (e.g. resin and quartz particles). Conscious SedationA state in which patients are awake and can breathe and swallow on their own but are less aware of what is taking place. Crown
CuspThe pointed portion of the tooth. CystPathological cavity, usually lined with epithelium, containing fluid or soft matter. |
DDebridementRemoving foreign matter or dead tissue. DecayThe lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure. Dental ProphylaxisScaling and polishing procedure performed to remove coronal plaque, calculus, and stains. Dental ProsthesisAn artificial device that replaces one or more missing teeth. Dental SpecialistA dentist who has received postgraduate training in one of the recognized dental specialties.
DentinThat part of the tooth that is beneath enamel and cementum. DentitionThe teeth in the dental arch.
DentureAn artificial substitute for natural teeth and adjacent tissues. Denture BaseThe part of the denture that holds the artificial teeth and fits over the gums. Direct RestorationA restoration fabricated inside the mouth. Dry MouthSee Xerostomia Dry SocketLocalized inflammation of the tooth socket following extraction due to infection or loss of blood clot; osteitis. |
EEdentulousToothless. EnamelHard calcified tissue covering dentin of the crown of tooth. EndodontistA dental specialist who limits his/her practice to treating disease ErosionWearing down of tooth structure, caused by chemicals (acids). EruptionWhen a tooth emerges or pushes through the gums. Evaluation
ExcisionSurgical removal of bone or tissue. ExtractionThe process or act of removing a tooth or tooth parts. |
FFillingA lay term used for the restoring of lost tooth structure by using materials such as metal, alloy, plastic or porcelain. Fixed AppliancesOrthodontic devices, commonly known as braces, that are bonded to the teeth to produce different tooth movements to help reposition teeth for orthodontic therapy. Fixed Partial DentureA fixed partial denture is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth cemented or attached to the abutment teeth or implant abutments adjacent to the space. FractureThe breaking of a part, especially of a bony structure; breaking of a tooth. Full-Mouth X-RaysA combination of 14 or more periapical and 4 bitewing films of the back teeth. This series of x-rays reveals all the teeth (their crowns and roots) and the alveolar bone around them. |
GGeneral AnesthesiaA deep level of sedation in which patients lose consciousness, feel no pain, and have no memory of what is taking place around them. GingivaSoft tissues overlying the crowns of unerupted teeth and encircling the necks of those that have erupted. Gingival HyperplasiaAn overgrowth of gingival tissues. GingivitisInflammation of gingival tissue without loss of connective tissue. GingivectomyThe excision or removal of gingiva. GingivoplastySurgical procedure to reshape gingiva. GraftA piece of tissue or alloplastic material placed in contact with tissue to repair a defect or supplement a deficiency. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR)Procedure during flap surgery for periodontal disease in which a membrane is inserted between the alveolar bone and the bone graft to encourage the gum tissues to grow onto the alveolar bone. |
IImaging DiagnosticThis would include, but is not limited to, CAT scans, MRIs, photographs, radiographs, etc. Immediate DentureProsthesis constructed for placement immediately after removal of remaining natural teeth. Impacted ToothAn unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely. ImplantMaterial inserted or grafted into tissue.
Implantation, ToothPlacement of an artificial or natural tooth into an alveolus. InlayAn indirect intracoronal restoration; a dental restoration made outside InterproximalBetween the teeth. IntraoralInside the mouth. Intravenous SedationMedications used intravenously (through the bloodstream) to produce varying levels of sedation. |
JJawA common name for either the maxilla or the mandible. |
LLabialPertaining to or around the lip. LesionAn injury or wound; area of diseased tissue. LingualPertaining to or around the tongue; surface of the tooth directed toward the tongue; opposite of facial. |
MMaintenance, PeriodontalTherapy for preserving the state of health of the periodontium. MalignantHaving the properties of dysplasia, invasion, and metastasis. MalocclusionImproper alignment of biting or chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth. Maryland BridgeA type of fixed partial denture not requiring crowns. The prosthesis is bonded to the natural teeth to secure it. MaxillaThe upper jaw. MolarTeeth posterior to the premolars (bicuspids) on either side of the jaw; grinding teeth, having large crowns and broad chewing surfaces. MouthguardDevice that fits over the teeth to prevent injury to the teeth, mouth or lips. May also refer to a device that prevents tooth grinding or treats temporomandibular disorders. Mucous MembraneLining of the oral cavity as well as other canals and cavities of the body; also called “mucosa.” |
OObstructive Sleep ApneaA disorder in which breathing stops for short periods of time during sleep. OcclusalPertaining to the biting surfaces of the premolar and molar teeth or contacting surfaces of opposing teeth or opposing occlusion rims. OcclusionAny contact between biting or chewing surfaces of maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth. OnlayAn indirect restoration made outside the oral cavity that overlays a cusp or cusps of the tooth, which is then luted to the tooth. OralPertaining to the mouth. Oral And Maxillofacial SurgeonA dental specialist whose practice is limited to the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities, defects and esthetic aspects of the oral and maxillofacial regions. Oral MucosaThe pink-red tissues that line the mouth. OrthodontistA dental specialist whose practice is limited to the interception and treatment of malocclusion of the teeth and their surrounding structures. Orthognathic SurgerySurgery performed to correct facial imbalances caused by abnormalities of the jaw bones. OsseointegrationThe process by which bone heals around an implant. OsteoplastySurgical procedure that modifies the configuration of bone. OsteotomySurgical cutting of bone. OverdentureA removable prosthetic device that overlies and may be supported by retained tooth roots or implants. |
PPalateThe hard and soft tissues forming the roof of the mouth that separates the oral and nasal cavities. PalliativeAction that relieves pain but is not curative. Partial DentureUsually refers to a prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth; see Fixed Partial Denture or Removable Partial Denture. Parotid GlandsMajor salivary glands located in front of and below the ears. PatientAn individual who has established a professional relationship with a dentist for the delivery of dental health care. For matters relating to communication of information and consent, this term includes the patient’s parent, caretaker, guardian, or other individual as appropriate under state law and the circumstances of the case. Pediatric DentistA dental specialist whose practice is limited to treatment of children from birth through adolescence; formerly known as a pedodontist. PedodontistSee Pediatric Dentist. PellicleA thin nonbacterial film from saliva that covers the teeth. Periapical X-RayAn x-ray that shows several entire teeth (crowns and roots) and includes a small amount of the periapical bone (surrounding the root tips). PeriodontalPertaining to the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth. Periodontal AbscessAn infection in the gum pocket that can destroy hard and soft tissues. Periodontal DiseaseInflammatory process of the gingival tissues and/or periodontal membrane of the teeth, resulting in an abnormally deep gingival sulcus, possibly producing periodontal pockets and loss of supporting alveolar bone. Periodontal PocketPathologically deepened gingival sulcus; a feature of periodontal disease. PeriodontistA dental specialist whose practice is limited to the treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth. PeriodontitisInflammation and loss of the connective tissue of the supporting or surrounding structure of teeth with loss of attachment. PlaqueA soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives. PostAn elongated projection fitted and cemented within the prepared root canal, serving to strengthen and retain restorative material and/or a crown restoration. PosteriorRefers to teeth and tissues towards the back of the mouth (distal to the canines): maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars. Precision AttachmentInterlocking device, one component of which is fixed to an abutment or abutments and the other is integrated into a fixed or removable prosthesis in order to stabilize and/or retain it. PremedicationThe use of medications prior to dental procedures. ProphylaxisScaling and polishing procedure performed to remove coronal plaque, calculus and stains. ProsthesisArtificial replacement of any part of the body. ProsthodontisA dental specialist whose practice is limited to the restoration of the natural teeth and/or the replacement of missing teeth with artificial substitutes. PulpConnective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue which occupies the pulp cavity of a tooth. Pulp CavityThe space within a tooth which contains the pulp. PulpectomyComplete removal of vital and non vital pulp tissue from the root canal space. PulpotomySurgical removal of a portion of the pulp with the aim of maintaining the vitality of the remaining portion by means of an adequate dressing; pulp amputation. |
RRadiographAn image produced by projecting radiation, as x-rays, on photographic film. Commonly called x-ray. RanulaA cyst that can develop under the tongue on the floor of the mouth. RebaseTo replace the denture base. RelineTo resurface the side of the denture that is in contact with the soft Removable ApplianceRemovable orthodontic appliances used to effect simple tipping movements Removable Partial DentureA removable partial denture (removable bridge) is a prosthetic replacement ResorbTo dissolve. Retainer
RootThe anatomic portion of the tooth that is covered by cementum and is located in the alveolus (socket) where it is attached by the periodontal apparatus; radicular portion of tooth. Root CanalThe portion of the pulp cavity inside the root of a tooth; the chamber within the root of the tooth that contains the pulp. Root Canal TherapyThe treatment of disease and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions. Root CariesTooth decay that forms on the roots. Root PlaningA procedure designed to remove microbial flora, bacterial toxins, calculus, and diseased cementum or dentin on the root surfaces and in the pocket. |
SScalingRemoval of plaque, calculus, and stain from teeth. SealantsPlastic resin placed on the biting surfaces of molars to prevent bacteria from attacking the enamel and causing caries. Sjogren’s SyndromeAn autoimmune disorder (mostly affecting older women) that is characterized by partial or complete cessation of saliva and tears. It can be associated with rheumatic disease, such as rheumatic arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. SplintA device used to support, protect, or immobilize oral structures that have been loosened, replanted, fractured or traumatized. Also refers to devices used in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders. StomatitisInflammation of the membranes in the mouth. Sublingual GlandsMajor salivary glands located in the mucosa on the floor of the mouth. Submandibular GlandsWalnut-sized major salivary glands located beneath the tongue. SutureStitch used to repair incision or wound. |
TTemporary Removable DentureAn interim prosthesis designed for use over limited period of time. Temporomandibular (TMJ)The connecting hinge mechanism between the base of the skull (temporal bone) and the lower jaw (mandible). Temporomandibular Joint DysfunctionAbnormal functioning of temporomandibular joint; also refers to symptoms arising in other areas secondary to the dysfunction. TorusA bony elevation or protuberance of bone. |
UUneruptedTooth/teeth that have not penetrated into the oral cavity |
VVeneerIn the construction of crowns or pontics, a layer of tooth-colored material, usually, but not limited to, composite, porcelain, ceramic or acrylic resin, attached to the surface by direct fusion, cementation, or mechanical retention; also refers to a restoration that is luted to the facial surface of a tooth. |
XXerostomiaDecreased salivary secretion that produces a dry and sometimes burning sensation of the oral mucosa and/or cervical caries. X-RayRadiograph. |
Choose Dr. Gasbara For Exceptional Dental Care
If you’re in need of general & cosmetic dentistry, contact us today to schedule an appointment!