Terms A-C

A

Abrasion

The wearing away of tooth structure, usually by excessive forces such as heavy tooth brushing or grinding of teeth. If you use an incorrect tooth brushing method or grind your teeth at night, you will notice loss of tooth structure and increased sensitivity.

Abscess

A localized infection that contains pus. Usually associated with an infected tooth or severely decayed tooth (bacteria has penetrated the tooth).

Abutment

A tooth used to support a removable partial denture or other dental appliance. Also, a tooth on either side of a missing tooth.

Alveolus

The socket in the bone in which the tooth is attached.

Amalgam

A silver filling material, an alloy of which one of the components is Mercury.

Anesthetic

A drug that the dentist uses to produce a temporary loss of sensation or feeling in an area.

The front teeth. Refers to the Incisors and Canines.

Antiseptic

An antimicrobial agent that can be applied to the skin or mouth to reduce the number of bacteria/microorganisms present. For instance, mouthwash is an antiseptic.

Apex

The tip/end of a tooth root.

Arch

Any structure with a curved outline. In dentistry, notice that your upper teeth and your lower teeth follow a curved/horseshoe shaped outline. These are referred to as your upper (maxillary) arch and lower (mandibular) arch.

Articulator

A device used by the dentist to examine tooth relationships. This device holds replicated models/casts of your teeth.

Asepsis

Being free of bacterial infection. Usually refers to techniques used to avoid bacterial contamination.

Aspiration

The removal of fluids or air from an area by use of a vacuum like action (producing negative pressure, like sucking through a straw).

Attrition

Loss of tooth structure through normal forces i.e. chewing or biting

B

Bicuspid

The premolars (the two teeth between the canines and the molars).

Bitewing

An x-ray used by the dentist to determine if cavities are present, or if a restoration needs to be redone.

Bleaching

A technique used to whiten teeth.

Bonding

A term used to describe the adhesion of two substances. For instance, the orthodontist must bond the brackets to teeth.

Bridge

A fixed partial denture. Usually replaces a missing tooth, and places crowns/caps on the adjacent teeth. This appliance is permanent and cannot be removed from the mouth (only by the dentist).

Bruxism

Grinding or clenching of the teeth.

Buccal

Pertaining to the cheek

Burning Mouth Sydrome

A condition in which the tongue and inside of the mouth experience a continual burning sensation. Read more about burning mouth syndrome here.

C

Calculus

An advanced form of plaque. Feed debris and other materials that have gathered on a tooth and hardened. Can be removed with a dental cleaning.

Canine

One of the four pointed teeth in the mouth. Used for tearing and shearing of food.

Canker sore

An ulceration in the mouth. Please see article on canker sores for more details.

Caries

Tooth decay

Cast

A study model or replication of the teeth used by the dentist to study tooth relationships

Cavity

A hole in the tooth

Cementation

Using dental cement to attach an appliance. For example, a crown/cap must be cemented to your tooth.

Chlorohexidine

Antiseptic mouth rinse

Clasp

A part of a removable denture used to hook around the natural tooth so that the denture will stay in place

Cold sore

An ulcer or blister in the mouth. Please see article on cold sores for more details

Composite

A tooth colored filling material

Contact area

Refers to the area where the teeth touch one another. For instance the canine has a contact area with the tooth next to it.

Cosmetic dentistry

The branch of dentistry that focuses on the aesthetic appearance of the mouth. Making sure the teeth shape, color, and alignment look their best!!

Cross bite

Refers to the misalignment of the back teeth.

Crown

A cap used to cover a tooth. If the tooth has extensive decay, a crown must be used to restore it. A crown can be tooth colored (porcelain) or metal (silver or gold).