Abrasion
The loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique, or Bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).

Abscess
A localized infection in the bone or soft gum tissues, usually at the end of the root tip.

Abutment
The natural tooth that holds in place a fixed or removable bridge

Air Abrasion
Tiny particles of aluminum oxide blasted in a stream of water at the tooth to remove the decayed debris and ruined enamel of cavities.

Allergy
Unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug.

Alveolar Bone
The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth.

Amalgam
The most common filling material used for fillings, also referred to as mercury or silver.

Analgesia
A state of pain relief; an agent to lessen pain.

Anesthesia
Relieves the sensation of pain. See General Anesthesia, IV Sedation and Local Anesthesia.

Anterior Teeth
The six upper or six lower front teeth.

Antibiotic
A drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria.

Apex
The tip of the root of a tooth.

Apicoectomy
The surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth.

Arch
Describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.

Attrition
Loss of structure due to natural wear.

Autoclave
A device that has a chamber where instruments are placed and steam under pressure is injected, in order to complete sterilization.

Base
Cement placed under a dental restoration to insulate the nerve chamber.

Bicuspid or Pre-Molar
Transitional teeth behind the cuspid.

Biopsy
Removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination.

Bite
The way in which the upper and lower teeth meet when closing the mouth.

Bite Wings
Decay detection x-rays.

Bleaching
Chemical or laser treatment of natural teeth for whitening effect.

Bonding
The covering of a tooth surface with a composite resin, to correct stained or damaged teeth.

Braces
Devices used by Orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth.

Bridge
Prosthetic (false) teeth or row of teeth that spans between two natural teeth.

Bruxism
Involuntary, "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient is asleep.

Calcium
Chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves.

Calculus
Hard residue, commonly know as "tartar", that forms on teeth due to inadequate plaque control often stained yellow or brown.

Canker Sore
Mouth sores appearing whitish, often with a red halo.

Cantilever Bridge
Fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth only on one end.

Cap
Common term for dental crown (See Crown).

Cavities
A decay lesion or hole in a tooth.

Clasp
Device that holds a removable partial denture to stationary teeth.

Cleaning
Removal of plaque and tartar from teeth, generally above the gum line.

Composite Filling
A tooth-colored filling that looks like a natural tooth.

Cosmetic Dentistry
Treatments performed to enhance appearance (e.g., bleaching, veneers).

Crown
A porcelain or gold cover for a decayed, damaged, or discolored tooth.

Cross Bite
Reverse biting relationship of upper and lower teeth, e.g., "under bite".

Curettage
Removal of diseased tissue from a periodontal pocket.

Cuspid
The large pointed teeth at the corners of the mouth, located between the incisors and bicuspids. Also known as canine or eyeteeth.

Cusps
The raised round parts on the chewing surface of the teeth.

DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery

DMD
Doctor of Medical Dentistry

Decay
Destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.

Deciduous Teeth
Commonly called "baby teeth", the first set of (usually) twenty teeth.

Dentin
Inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel.

Dental Floss
A waxed or unwaxed piece of nylon string that is inserted between the teeth and moved in an up/down fashion for the removal of plaque or other food deposits.

Dental Implant
Usually a titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental restoration or appliance.

Dentition
The arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth.

Denture
Removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth.

Diastema
Space between teeth.

Enamel
The hard tissue covering the portion of tooth above the gum line. This is the hardest substance in the body.

Endodontics
The branch of dentistry concerned with the treatment of the dental pulp or nerve of the tooth. The most common procedure is a root canal.

Endodontist
A specialist who treats injuries, diseases and infections of the tooth pulp.

Extraction
Removal of a tooth.

Facing
Tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown.

Filling
Restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain or resin materials.

Flap Surgery
Lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures.

Fluoride
A chemical that is used to strengthen the teeth.

Frenectomy
Removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

General Anesthesia
A "deep sleep" general anesthesia renders you unconscious.

Gingivectomy
Surgical removal of gum tissue.

Gingivitis
Inflammation of gum tissue, early stage of gum disease.

Gum Recession
Exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, periodontal disease or surgery.

Halimeter
An instrument used in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic halitosis.

Halitosis
Bad breath.

Heat Sterilization
A procedure that involves a chamber into which instruments are placed and which raises the temperature for a period of time to kill all microorganisms.

Hygienist
A type of dental professional qualified to clean and scale teeth. They also educate patients on proper dental care.

Imaging
A photograph of teeth stored in a computer and then displayed on a television monitor. The dentist is able to show you an image of your smile with new, repaired or whitened teeth.

Impacted Tooth
A tooth that fails to erupt properly and remains fully or partially embedded and covered over by bone or gum tissue.

Implant
A fixed replacement for a missing tooth.

Impression
Mold made of the teeth and soft tissues.

Incisors
The four upper or lower single-cusped front teeth designed for incising or cutting food.

Inlay
A custom made cast-gold alloy that is cemented to a previously prepared cavity in the tooth.

Interproximal
Surfaces of adjoining teeth.

Interocclusal
Space between upper and lower teeth.

Intraoral camera
A small video camera used to view and magnify oral conditions; images may be viewed on a monitor or printed.

IV Sedation
Anesthesia used for people who want to be asleep during dental procedures. It is sometimes described as a "light" anesthesia. (See Anesthesia, Local Anesthesia).

Jacket
Crown for a front tooth, usually made of porcelain.

Laminate
Thin plastic or porcelain veneer produced in a dental laboratory and then bonded to a tooth.

Lasers
Dental lasers are a family of instruments, some used for surgery, some to cure (harden) restorative tooth materials and enhance tooth bleaching, and others to remove tooth structure to eliminate disease.

Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide; odorless inhalation agent that produces relative sedation; reduces anxiety and creates a state of relaxation.

Local Anesthesia
Relieves the sensation of pain in a localized area. (See Anesthesia, IV Sedation).

Malocclusion
"Bad bite" or misalignment of the upper and lower teeth.

Managed Care
Program whereby patient-dentist agreement and dentist reimbursement is administered by a separate, external organization.

Mandible
The lower jaw.

Margin
Interface between a restoration and tooth structure.

Maryland Bridge
A bridge that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth; requires minimum tooth reduction.

Maxilla
The upper jaw.

Medicated Filling
A provisional or temporary filling which incorporates a palliative or soothing medication to calm an inflamed tooth nerve.

Molars
The back teeth that are designed for grinding food before swallowing.

Mouth guard
A removable appliance used to protect teeth from injury during athletic activities.

Nerve (Root) Canal
Dental pulp; the internal chamber of a tooth.

Night Guard
A removable acrylic appliance used to minimize the effects of grinding the teeth (bruxism) or joint problems (TMD), usually worn at night.

Nitrous Oxide
A gas used to reduce patient anxiety, also called "laughing gas".

Occlusion
Closure; relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure.

Onlay
A gold or porcelain inlay extended to cover the cusps for protection of the tooth.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
A specialist who deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures.

Oral Cavity
The mouth.

Oral Hygiene
Process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws.

Oral Pathologist
Dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases.

Oral Sedation
Any substance taken orally (i.e., a pill or liquid) to reduce anxiety and relax the patient.

Oral Surgery
Surgery of the mouth.

Orthodontics
Dental specialty that treats misalignment of teeth. Treatment usually consists of braces or a retainer.

Overbite
Vertical overlap of the front teeth.

Over Denture
Denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants.

Palate
The general term that refers to the roof of the mouth.

Palliative Treatment
Non-invasive relief of irritating conditions.

Panorex
A single full mouth x-ray.

Partial Denture
A removable appliance (prosthesis) that replaces some of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

Pathology
Study of disease.

Periapical (PA)
Region at the end of the roots of teeth.

Pediatric Dentistry
Dental specialty focusing on treatment of children’s teeth.

Periodontal Disease
The general term for the inflammation or disease affecting the gums.

Periodontal Surgery
Recontouring or esthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue.

Periodontics
The treatment of diseases of the gum or bone (supporting structure).

Periodontist
A dentist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease.

Periodontal Chart
Record measuring the depth of gum pockets around the teeth.

Permanent Teeth
(Usually) thirty-two adult teeth in a complete dentition.

Pit
A small defect in the tooth enamel.

Plaque
A sticky substance that forms on the surface of the teeth and harbors bacteria growth and acid formation beneath its surface, causing tooth decay. Plaque buildup can irritate the gums and cause periodontal disease.

Pontic
Replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance.

Porcelain Crown
All porcelain restoration covering the portion of tooth above the gum line.

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PRM) Crown
Restoration with metal coping (for strength) covered by porcelain (for appearance).

Porcelain Inlay or Onlay
Tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place.

Porcelain Veneers
A thin layer of porcelain bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape.

Post
Thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy; provided retention for a "coping" that replaces lost tooth structure and retains crown.

PPO or PDO
Preferred provider (dental) organization, which a health care (dental) provider may join, offering fee-for-service treatment at reduced fees.

Preventive Services
Dental procedures concerned with the prevention of dental diseases by protective and educational measures. May include exam, cleanings, x-rays and fluoride.

Prophylaxis
The professional cleaning and removal of plaque, stains, and calculus on the teeth.

Prophy Jet
Air polishing for stain removal.

Prosthodontics
The restoration of natural teeth and replacement of missing or lost teeth. Common procedures are crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants.

Prosthodontist
A dentist that specializes in the restoration of natural teeth and replacement of teeth. Expertise includes, but is not limited to: crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems, and oral cancer reconstruction.

Pulp
The nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside a tooth.

Pulp Chamber
The opening in the center of the crown of a tooth, which contains the pulp (nerve tissue) and stretches to the tip of the root.

Pulpectomy
Complete removal of the pulp (commonly done in children’s teeth).

Quadrant
One fourth of the mouth or half of the bottom or top section of the mouth.

Reimplantation
Insertion and temporary fixation of partially or completely dislodged tooth or teeth, resulting from traumatic injury.

Reline
Acrylic restoration of denture base.

Restoration
Replacement of portion of a damaged tooth.

Retained Root
Partial root structure remaining in jaw after extraction or fracture of a natural tooth.

Retainer
An appliance for maintaining the positions of the teeth and jaws immediately after the completion of orthodontic treatment.

Root
Tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw.

Root Canal
A procedure used to save an abscessed tooth in which the pulp chamber is cleaned out, disinfected, and filled with a permanent filling.

Root Planning
Deep cleaning of the teeth to remove hardened plaque below the gum line. This periodontal procedure is usually performed one quadrant at a time.

Root Resection
Removal of a portion of diseased root structure, retaining the remaining natural tooth.

Saliva
Clear lubricating fluid in the mouth.

Saliva Ejector
Suction tube placed in the mouth to remove saliva.

Salivary Glands
Located under tongue and in cheeks that produce saliva.

Scaling
A treatment for gum disease involving removal of hardened plaque (tartar or calculus) from teeth.

Sealant
Plastic coating applied to grooves of the teeth to prevent decay.

Space Maintainer
Dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth.

Splint
Connection of two or more teeth so they function as a stronger single structure.

Supernumary Tooth
Extra tooth.

Tartar
Calcified plaque that forms from mineral salts in the saliva and deposits on the teeth.

TMD Temporomandibular Disorders
Problems associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw with the skull. Typically associated with pops and pain in the joint.

Third-Party Provider
Insurance company that pays all or a part of the cost of dental treatment.

Tooth Whitening
A chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth.

UCR
Usual, customary and reasonable fees.

Ultrasonic Cleaning
Cleaning that uses high frequency sound waves to gently remove deposits, such as tartar and stain, from the teeth.

Unerupted Tooth
A tooth that has not pushed through the gum.

Veneers
Plastic or porcelain facing, which is bonded directly to a tooth to improve its appearance, producing a very natural appearance.

Whitening
A process, which lightens the color of teeth.

Wisdom Teeth
The third set of molars, the last teeth to come in, usually erupt at age 18-25.

Zerostomia
Dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva.