Glossary of Dental Terms
Navigating the world of dentistry can sometimes feel like deciphering a foreign language. Whether you're reading up on a procedure, discussing treatment options with your dentist, or simply wanting to expand your knowledge, understanding dental terminology is key to demystifying your oral health care. Our extensive glossary of dental terms is designed to empower you with clear, accurate definitions of the most commonly used phrases, words, and concepts in dentistry.
From the basics like "cavity" and "gingivitis" to more complex terms such as "periodontitis" and "bruxism," this resource aims to enhance your dental literacy, making your dental visits more understandable and less daunting. Our A-to-Z guide covers a wide range of topics, including conditions, treatments, anatomy, and preventative care, providing you with the tools to engage confidently and proactively in your oral health journey.
Dive into our glossary and equip yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your dental care, understand your dentist's advice, and take active steps towards a healthier, brighter smile.
A
Abfraction: Loss of tooth structure caused by mechanical forces leading to notching and gouging at the gum line.
Abrasion: Wear and tear on teeth due to activities such as brushing too hard, grinding, or chewing tobacco.
Abscess: A localized infection in the mouth, presenting as a collection of pus, often at the tooth root or in the gums.
Abutment: A tooth or implant that supports a dental prosthesis, such as a bridge or denture.
Acid Etching: A technique used in dentistry to clean and roughen the surface of a tooth before placing a filling, crown, or other restoration.
Acrylic: A type of plastic used in dentistry to make dentures, retainers, and other dental appliances.
ADA: Acronym for the American Dental Association, an organization representing the interests of dentists and promoting oral health.
Adhesion: The bonding of a substance to the surface of a tooth, used in restorative dentistry to secure fillings, crowns, and veneers.
Adjustment: A procedure to modify the fit or bite of dentures, braces, or other dental appliances.
Alveolar: Relating to the alveolar bone, which contains the sockets of the teeth.
Alveoloplasty: A surgical procedure to reshape the alveolar ridge for better fit and comfort of dentures.
Amalgam: A type of dental filling material made from a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, and other metals.
Analgesia: The use of medication to provide relief from pain without total loss of sensation, often used during dental procedures.
Anatomy: In dentistry, the study of the structure of the teeth, mouth, and associated areas.
Anesthesia: The use of medication to temporarily numb a specific area (local anesthesia) or to induce sleep (general anesthesia) during dental procedures.
Angulation: The alignment or orientation of teeth or dental implants.
Anterior: Referring to the front position, often used to describe teeth located in the front of the mouth.
Apex: The tip or end of the root of a tooth.
Apicoectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the apex (tip) of the tooth root and surrounding tissue to treat a persistent infection.
Arch: The curve formed by the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.
Articulation: The contact relationship between the upper and lower teeth when they move against each other.
Asepsis: The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, often achieved through sterilization and disinfection procedures in dentistry.
Attrition: The natural wear of tooth surface due to interaction with other teeth, often due to aging or grinding.
Autoclave: A device that uses steam under high pressure to sterilize dental instruments and equipment.
Avulsion: The complete displacement of a tooth from its socket due to trauma.
B
Braces: Devices used in orthodontics to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. They consist of brackets attached to teeth and wires that are periodically tightened to gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Bridge: A dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth anchored to adjacent natural teeth or implants.
Bruxism: The involuntary or habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, typically during sleep, which can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and other issues.
Buccal: Referring to the cheek side of the back teeth. In dentistry, it’s used to describe the surface of a tooth that faces the cheeks.
Bonding: A cosmetic dental procedure where a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, ultimately "bonding" the material to the tooth to improve a person's smile.
Bicuspid: Also known as a premolar, these are the teeth located between the canines and molars, used for crushing and tearing food.
Biopsy: The removal of a small piece of tissue for examination under a microscope to check for abnormalities such as cancer or precancerous conditions.
Bite: The way upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed. Also refers to the alignment of the upper and lower jaw.
Bite Wings: A type of dental X-ray that provides a visual of both the upper and lower posterior teeth (molars and premolars) and shows how they touch one another, helping to detect decay between teeth and changes in bone density caused by gum disease.
Bleaching: A cosmetic dental procedure that whitens teeth using a bleaching agent, often hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to remove stains and discoloration.
Bone Graft: A surgical procedure in dentistry to increase the amount of bone in a part of the jaw where bone has been lost or additional support is needed, often preparatory to the placement of dental implants.
C
Calculus: Hardened plaque that has been left on the teeth and is often stained by food and tobacco. Also known as tartar, it can form both above and below the gum line and can only be removed with professional dental cleaning.
Canine teeth: The pointed teeth just outside the incisors also known as cuspids or eye teeth. These teeth are used for tearing food and are located at the corners of the dental arch.
Canker sore: A small, shallow ulcer that appears in the mouth and often makes eating and talking uncomfortable. Unlike cold sores, canker sores don't occur on the surface of your lips and they aren't contagious.
Caries: The scientific term for tooth decay or cavities. This is a process where the enamel of the tooth is destroyed by acid produced when plaque bacteria break down sugar in your mouth.
Cavity: A hole in a tooth caused by decay. The result of neglecting good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
Cementum: A layer of hard dental tissue covering the roots of teeth, providing a surface for the attachment of the periodontal ligaments.
Composite filling: A tooth-colored mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements by changing the color or reshaping disfigured teeth.
Cone Beam CT (CBCT): An X-ray technique that provides three-dimensional (3D) images of the teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone in a single scan. Used in planning dental implant placement, evaluating jaw problems, and diagnosing tooth decay.
Crown: A tooth-shaped "cap" that's placed over a tooth to cover the tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials including porcelain, ceramic, and gold.
Cusps: The raised points on the biting surface of premolars and molars. The cusp of Carabelli, an additional bump on the biting surface of the upper molars, is a common anatomical variation.
Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that can develop in the tissues around the teeth. Oral cysts can occur in various places in the mouth, including the bones, soft tissues, or gums.
D
Decay: The destruction of tooth structure caused by the interaction of bacteria and food on the teeth, leading to cavities.
Deciduous teeth: Also known as baby or primary teeth, these are the first set of teeth that develop in children and are eventually replaced by permanent teeth.
Dental bridge: A fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth definitively to adjacent teeth or dental implants.
Dental crown: A cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance after extensive decay, damage, or for cosmetic enhancement.
Dental hygienist: A licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive oral health, typically focusing on techniques in oral hygiene.
Dental implant: A surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, or to act as an orthodontic anchor.
Dental plaque: A sticky, colorless or pale yellow film that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque is composed of bacteria and food particles and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed regularly through brushing and flossing.
Dentition: The arrangement or condition of the teeth in a particular species or individual.
Denture: A removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available -- complete and partial dentures.
Diastema: A space or gap between two teeth, often between the upper front teeth.
Dry socket: A painful condition that can occur after tooth extraction, particularly of a wisdom tooth, when the blood clot that should form in the socket is dislodged or dissolves before the wound has healed.
Dentin: The hard tissue located under the enamel and cementum of the tooth. Dentin is sensitive and supports the structure of the tooth.
Dental prophylaxis: A preventive treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. It’s an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
E
Edentulous: Lacking teeth; a condition in which no natural teeth remain.
Enamel: The hard, outermost layer of a tooth, covering the crown. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body.
Endodontics: A branch of dentistry concerned with the study and treatment of the dental pulp, often involving procedures like root canal therapy.
Eruption: The process by which teeth emerge through the gums and become visible in the mouth.
Exodontia: The field of dentistry that deals with the extraction of teeth.
Extrusion: The movement of a tooth out of its normal position, resulting in it being elongated or higher than the surrounding teeth.
Excision: The act of cutting out or surgical removal, often referring to the removal of a tooth or part of the gum tissue.
Erosion: The loss of tooth enamel due to acid attack, often from acidic foods and drinks or acid reflux, not caused by bacteria.
Exfoliate: The natural process of shedding primary (baby) teeth.
Endosteal implant: A type of dental implant that is placed directly into the jawbone as an artificial root to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.
Epulis: A term for a benign growth on the gingival (gum) tissue.
Eugenol: A compound derived from clove oil, often used in dentistry for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, especially in dental cements and impression materials.
Equilibration: The process of adjusting the occlusion (bite) by reshaping the biting surfaces of teeth, often used to correct misalignment and prevent excessive tooth wear.
F
Facial: Relating to the face, often used to describe the surface of a tooth that faces towards the cheeks or lips.
Fiberotomy: A surgical procedure aimed at detaching the fibers around a tooth, often performed to prevent relapse after orthodontic treatment.
Filling: A material used to restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure resulting from caries or external trauma.
Fissure: A natural groove or depression on the biting surface of a tooth, often more susceptible to decay.
Fistula: A path or tunnel that can form in the bone or soft tissue allowing the passage of infection from an abscessed tooth to the surface of the gum.
Fixed Bridge: A dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth, anchored permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants.
Flap Surgery: A procedure in periodontal therapy where the gum tissue is folded back to allow for deep cleaning around the roots of the teeth.
Fluoride: A natural mineral used in dentistry to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Flossing: The act of using dental floss to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Foramen: A natural opening or hole, often referring to the passageway at the tip of the root of a tooth through which nerves and blood vessels enter.
Fracture: A break or crack in a tooth that can happen because of injury, grinding, or biting on something hard.
Frenectomy: A surgical procedure to remove or modify the frenum, a connective tissue membrane, in the mouth.
Full Mouth Reconstruction: Comprehensive dental treatment that addresses and corrects numerous dental problems, often involving a combination of cosmetic and restorative procedures.
Functional Occlusion: The way teeth meet and work together during biting and chewing.
G
Gingiva: Also known as gums, the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth.
Gingivectomy: A surgical procedure to remove diseased gum tissue or to reshape gums.
Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gum tissue often caused by plaque buildup, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Gingival Margin: The edge of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth.
Gingival Recession: A condition where the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth's root.
Graft: A piece of tissue or synthetic material placed in an area where tissue has been lost or damaged.
Grinding: The process of clenching and moving the teeth back and forth, often unconsciously, which can wear down tooth enamel and cause other dental issues.
Gum Disease: Also known as periodontal disease, a serious infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissue and destroy the bone that supports teeth.
Gutta-Percha: A material commonly used to fill and seal the inside of the tooth after a root canal procedure.
H
Halitosis: Clinical term for bad breath, often caused by poor oral hygiene, infections, or certain foods.
Hard Palate: The bony front part of the roof of the mouth.
Hemisection: A dental procedure in which a tooth, usually a molar, is divided in half to remove one diseased root and retain the other healthy half.
Hygiene Appointment: A routine dental visit focused on cleaning the teeth and checking for signs of oral disease.
Hypersensitivity: Increased sensitivity of the teeth to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli.
Hypodontia: A condition characterized by the absence of one or more teeth due to developmental issues.
I
Impacted Tooth: A tooth that has failed to emerge fully into its expected position, often because there is not enough space in the jaw or because it is misaligned.
Implant: A surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis, or to act as an orthodontic anchor.
Incisor: Front teeth primarily used for cutting and slicing food. Humans typically have eight incisors, four in the upper and four in the lower jaw.
Infection Control: Measures and practices in dental healthcare to prevent the spread of infections within the clinic, including sterilization of instruments and use of protective barriers and procedures.
Inflammation: The body's response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing redness, swelling, pain, or heat. In the gums, it can be a sign of periodontal disease.
Inlay: A type of dental restoration made of various materials like gold, composite, or ceramics used to repair the inside cusp tips of a tooth.
Interdental Brushes: Small brushes designed to clean between your teeth, where a regular toothbrush doesn't reach, effectively removing plaque and debris.
Interproximal: Referring to the spaces between teeth.
Intraoral: Inside the mouth.
Invisalign®: A brand of clear orthodontic aligners used as an alternative to traditional braces to adjust and align teeth.
J
Jaw: The bone structure that forms the framework of the mouth and contains the teeth. It includes two main parts: the upper jaw (maxilla) and the lower jaw (mandible).
Jawbone: The bone that forms the structure of the jaw. The upper jawbone is called the maxilla, and the lower jawbone is the mandible.
Junctional Epithelium: A specialized type of epithelium that attaches the gingiva to the tooth at the base of the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket. It's important for maintaining periodontal health.
K
Keratin: A protein found in the outer layer of skin, hair, nails, and tooth enamel.
Keratinized Gingiva: The oral mucosa that covers the alveolar process of the jaws and surrounds the necks of the teeth. It is firm, resilient, and tightly bound to the underlying periosteum of alveolar bone.
Keratocyst: A type of cyst that can form in the jawbone and is often associated with the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.
Kinesiology: The study of movement and muscle function, which can be applied to the mechanics of jaw movement and chewing in dentistry.
Knocked-Out Tooth: Refers to a tooth that has been completely dislodged from its socket as a result of trauma. Immediate dental care is critical to save the tooth
L
Labial: Pertaining to the lips.
Laminate Veneer: A thin shell of porcelain or resin that is bonded to the surface of the teeth to improve appearance and/or restore damage.
Laser Dentistry: The use of lasers to treat a variety of dental conditions, offering benefits such as reduced pain and faster healing.
Lateral Excursion: The movement of the jaw to the left or right of the central position.
Lesion: An area of abnormal tissue or injury in the mouth.
Leukoplakia: A condition where white or gray patches appear in the mouth, often on the tongue or inner cheek, sometimes pre-cancerous.
Ligament: A band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or cartilages, providing support and limiting movement; in dentistry, often refers to the periodontal ligament.
Lingual Braces: Orthodontic devices that are fixed to the back side of teeth, hidden from view.
Lingual: Pertaining to or near the tongue.
Local Anesthesia: The use of drugs to prevent pain in a specific area of the mouth during dental treatment.
Luxation: The dislocation or displacement of a tooth from its normal position in the jaw.
L
Labial: Pertaining to the lips.
Laminate Veneer: A thin shell of porcelain or resin that is bonded to the surface of the teeth to improve appearance and/or restore damage.
Laser Dentistry: The use of lasers to treat a variety of dental conditions, offering benefits such as reduced pain and faster healing.
Lateral Excursion: The movement of the jaw to the left or right of the central position.
Lesion: An area of abnormal tissue or injury in the mouth.
Leukoplakia: A condition where white or gray patches appear in the mouth, often on the tongue or inner cheek, sometimes pre-cancerous.
Ligament: A band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or cartilages, providing support and limiting movement; in dentistry, often refers to the periodontal ligament.
Lingual Braces: Orthodontic devices that are fixed to the back side of teeth, hidden from view.
Lingual: Pertaining to or near the tongue.
Local Anesthesia: The use of drugs to prevent pain in a specific area of the mouth during dental treatment.
Luxation: The dislocation or displacement of a tooth from its normal position in the jaw.
M
Malocclusion: Refers to misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close.
Mandible: The lower jawbone.
Maxilla: The upper jawbone.
Mastication: The process of chewing food.
Mesial: The surface of the tooth that is towards the front of the mouth.
Molar: The large teeth at the back of the mouth, primarily used for grinding food.
Mouthguard: A protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, arches, lips, and gums.
Myofunctional Therapy: Treatment to correct the function of the muscles in the face and mouth, often used to improve chewing, swallowing, and speech, as well as to correct oral habits that can lead to dental problems.
N
Necrosis: The death of cells or tissues in the body, which can occur in the gums, pulp, or bone due to various factors including trauma, infection, or inflammation.
Night Guard: A removable appliance worn at night to prevent grinding and clenching of the teeth (bruxism), protecting against tooth damage and reducing jaw strain.
Nitrous Oxide: A colorless, sweet-smelling gas, often referred to as laughing gas, used in dentistry to provide sedation and reduce anxiety during dental procedures.
Nodule: A small lump or mass of tissue, which can appear in the oral cavity and may be benign or malignant.
Novocaine: A trademark name for a local anesthetic previously used in dentistry, now largely replaced by safer, more effective agents like lidocaine.
O
Obturation: The process of filling a root canal with a permanent material to prevent the re-entry of bacteria and to promote healing.
Occlusal: Referring to the biting surface of the back teeth or molars, where the upper and lower teeth come into contact.
Occlusion: The alignment and spacing of your teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth fit together when biting or chewing.
Odontalgia: Technical term for toothache, pain in a tooth or teeth.
Odontectomy: Surgical removal of a tooth, commonly referred to as tooth extraction.
Odontogenesis: The process of tooth development and formation, which begins before birth.
Odontoplasty: The shaping or contouring of the enamel, dentin, or bone around the teeth, often done for aesthetic reasons or to improve the bite.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A dental specialty involving surgical procedures related to the mouth, jaw, and face, including extractions, implants, and facial reconstruction.
Oral Cavity: The mouth or buccal area, including the lips, teeth, gums, tongue, and the roof and floor of the mouth.
Oral Hygiene: The practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent disease, through regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental care.
Orthodontics: A branch of dentistry that specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, using braces, aligners, and other appliances to correct misaligned teeth and jaws.
Osteonecrosis: A condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply, which can affect the jawbone in some dental conditions or treatments.
Overbite: A dental condition where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth vertically when the mouth is closed.
P
Palate: The roof of the mouth, consisting of the hard palate (the bony front portion) and the soft palate (the soft back portion).
Palliative Treatment: Treatment given to relieve pain and discomfort, but not to cure the underlying dental condition.
Panoramic Radiograph: A type of X-ray that gives a broad view of the entire mouth, including all the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures.
Partial Denture: A removable dental appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
Pediatric Dentistry: A branch of dentistry that deals with the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years.
Periapical: Referring to the area surrounding the tip of the root of a tooth.
Periodontal Charting: The process of recording the health status of the periodontal tissues surrounding the teeth, including measurements of gum pockets and recession.
Periodontal Disease: A serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, if untreated, can destroy the bone that supports the teeth. Also known as gum disease.
Periodontal Pocket: A deepened space between the tooth and gum caused by periodontal disease, where bacteria can accumulate and cause further damage.
Periodontics: The branch of dentistry concerned with the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, including the gums and bone, and the treatment of periodontal disease.
Periodontist: A dentist specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants.
Plaque: A soft, sticky film that builds up on teeth and contains bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed regularly.
Pontic: The artificial tooth in a bridge or denture that replaces a missing natural tooth.
Posterior Teeth: The back teeth, including premolars and molars, used for grinding food.
Preventive Dentistry: Dental practices aimed at maintaining healthy teeth and gums and preventing dental disease, including regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and education on proper oral hygiene.
Prophylaxis: A professional dental cleaning procedure to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth to prevent periodontal disease.
Prosthodontics: The branch of dentistry focused on the design, manufacture, and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth.
Pulp: The soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, which nourishes the tooth and provides sensory function.
Pulpectomy: A dental procedure to remove all of the pulp from the inside of a tooth, usually done to prepare the tooth for root canal therapy.
Pulpitis: Inflammation of the dental pulp, often causing toothache or pain, which can be a precursor to more serious dental issues.
Q
Quadrant: One of the four sections into which the dental arches can be divided, starting at the midline of the arch and extending to the last tooth. There are four quadrants in the mouth: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left.
Quadrant Dentistry: A method of dental treatment planning and care that addresses one quadrant of the mouth at a time.
Quality of Life: In dentistry, this refers to the impact of oral health or dental conditions on an individual’s overall well-being, comfort, and ability to perform daily activities.
Quick Splint: A temporary splint used to stabilize teeth, typically after trauma or surgery, until a more permanent solution can be implemented.
R
Radiograph: An image or picture produced on a sensitive plate or film by X-rays, gamma rays, or similar radiation.
Receding Gums: A condition where the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth's root.
Reconstruction: Restoring of damaged or missing teeth through extensive restorative methods, such as crowns, bridges, implants, or dentures.
Recalcification: The process of restoring calcium and other minerals to demineralized areas of the teeth.
Root Canal: A dental procedure to treat infection or damage at the tooth's root or the dental pulp.
Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure that removes tartar, bacteria, and diseased tissue from the roots of the teeth.
Restoration: The process of restoring a tooth by means of a filling, crown, bridge, or implant after it has been damaged by decay or trauma.
Retainer: An orthodontic appliance, either fixed or removable, used to maintain the position of the teeth after braces have been removed.
Ridge Augmentation: A procedure to rebuild and restore the natural contour of the jawbone after tooth extraction.
Rubber Dam: A flexible sheet used in dentistry to isolate the operative site from the rest of the mouth.
S
Saliva: The clear, watery fluid produced by the salivary glands in the mouth, aiding in digestion and helping to protect teeth from decay.
Scaling: A dental procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth, especially above and below the gum line.
Sealant: A protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent decay.
Sedation Dentistry: The use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures.
Space Maintainer: A dental device used to keep space open in the mouth until a permanent tooth emerges, especially after the premature loss of a baby tooth.
Splint: A device used to support, protect, or immobilize oral structures that have been loosened, fractured, or injured.
Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mouth and lips, often marked by sores.
Supernumerary Teeth: Extra teeth that appear in addition to the regular number of teeth.
Suture: A stitch used by dentists to hold tissue together after surgery.
Systemic: Relating to or affecting the entire body, as opposed to a specific part or organ.
T
Tartar (Calculus): Hardened dental plaque on the surface of teeth, contributing to decay and gum disease.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull, allowing for the movement necessary for chewing and speaking.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD): A disorder causing pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement.
Temporary Crown (Provisional Crown): A temporary covering used to protect a tooth after it has been prepared for a permanent crown until the permanent crown is ready.
Tertiary Dentin: Additional dentin produced in response to stimuli, such as decay or wear.
Therapeutic: Relating to the treatment of disease or disorders, used to heal or alleviate health problems.
Third Molars: The last set of molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, usually erupting in the late teens or early twenties.
Tooth Decay (Caries): The destruction of tooth enamel due to the acid produced when bacteria break down sugar in the mouth.
Toothache: Pain in or around a tooth, often caused by decay or infection.
Topical Anesthetic: A medication applied to body surfaces such as the gums to numb the area temporarily.
Torque: The force that causes an object to rotate; in dentistry, it often refers to the rotational force applied to a tooth or implant.
Transillumination: A diagnostic technique in dentistry that involves shining light through the teeth to detect abnormalities.
Transplant: Moving an organ or tissue from one part of the body to another or from one individual to another.
Trauma: An injury or damage to a biological organism, often with a physical cause.
Tray: In dentistry, a receptacle or device used to carry, organize, or hold dental materials or instruments.
Trench Mouth: A painful bacterial infection leading to ulceration, inflammation, and bleeding of the gums; also known as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG).
Tuberosity: A rounded prominence; in dentistry, often referring to the rounded area at the back of the upper jaw behind the last molar.
U
Unerupted Tooth: A tooth that has not passed through the gum line and remains embedded in the jawbone.
Ultrasonic Scaling: A procedure that uses ultrasonic vibrations to remove plaque, tartar, and biofilm from teeth, particularly below the gum line.
Universal Numbering System: A dental notation system used primarily in the United States to uniquely identify each tooth in the mouth.
Uvula: The small fleshy tissue hanging from the back of the soft palate, visible when opening the mouth widely.
Uvulitis: Inflammation of the uvula, often causing pain, redness, and swelling, which can lead to difficulty swallowing or breathing.
V
Veneer: A thin layer of material, usually porcelain or composite resin, placed over the surface of a tooth to improve its appearance or protect its surface from damage.
Vestibule: The space between the teeth, lips, and cheeks in the mouth.
Vital Tooth: A tooth that is alive and contains healthy pulp with nerves and blood vessels.
Veneerectomy: A surgical procedure to expose a tooth by removing the overlying gum tissue and bone.
Vasoconstrictor: A type of medication used in dental anesthesia to constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow, helping to prolong the effect of the anesthetic.
Vertical Bitewing: A type of dental X-ray image taken to show the upper and lower teeth's crowns and a portion of the roots and supporting bone, primarily used to check for bone loss and gum disease.
Vertical Bone Loss: A form of periodontal bone loss where the bone destruction occurs in a vertical or oblique direction, often leading to deep periodontal pockets.
W
Wax-Up: A model dental procedure where wax is used to create a visual mock-up of what a dental restoration or cosmetic procedure will look like.
Wisdom Teeth: The third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties.
White Fillings: Also known as composite fillings, these are dental fillings that restore and mimic the natural appearance of tooth structure.
Whitening: A cosmetic dental procedure that lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration.
Wear Facets: Flat or worn spots on the teeth caused by grinding or clenching.
Waterpik: A brand of oral irrigator or dental water jet used for cleaning around the teeth and gums.
Waxed Floss: Dental floss that has a thin layer of wax, making it easier to slide between tightly spaced teeth.
Wedge: A small, triangular piece of wood or plastic used in dentistry to hold the teeth apart and to contour the soft tissues of the mouth during procedures.
Wound Healing: The process of repair that follows injury to the soft or hard tissues of the mouth. ​
X
Xerostomia: Also known as dry mouth, this condition is characterized by a decrease in saliva production, leading to a dry feeling in the mouth.
X-Ray: A type of energy that passes through soft tissues but is absorbed by dense tissue such as bone and teeth, used in dentistry to view the internal structure of teeth and jawbone.
Xylitol: A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in some dental products, such as toothpaste and chewing gum, known for its ability to reduce cavities and promote oral health.
Y
Yeast Infection: An overgrowth of yeast, such as Candida, in the oral cavity can lead to oral thrush, characterized by white lesions on the tongue and inner cheeks.
Yellow Teeth: A common dental condition where the teeth appear yellow due to various factors such as aging, staining from food and drinks, smoking, or poor oral hygiene.
Z
Zinc Oxide Eugenol (ZOE): A dental material used in a variety of applications, including as a dental cement, temporary filling material, and root canal sealer, known for its soothing and antiseptic properties.
Zirconia: A type of ceramic used in dentistry for making crowns, bridges, and implant abutments due to its strength and aesthetic qualities that mimic natural teeth.
Zygomatic Implants: Specialized dental implants used for patients with insufficient bone in the upper jaw, anchored in the zygomatic bone to provide support for dental prostheses.