Terms D-G

D

Debridement

The removal of irritants, such as plaque, calculus, or bacteria, from an area so that the tissue can heal.

Decalcification

The tooth structure becoming soft and losing its “hardness”.  Usually the beginning phases of a cavity forming.

Decay

The “rotten” or “bad” portion of the tooth.  This portion is infected with bacteria and must be removed by the dentist.

Dentistry

The art and science diagnosing and treating diseases of the oral cavity and associated structures.

Dentition

Refers to the natural teeth.

Denture

A prosthesis/appliance used to replace missing teeth.  Can be complete or partial.

Desensitization

Reduction in the sensitivity of a tooth.  For instance, if your teeth are extremely  sensitive to hot and cold liquids, the dentist can apply an agent that will “densensitize” or make the teeth less sensitive to the liquds.

Diagnosis

Using gathered information to determine the nature of a disease.

Diastema

A space or “gap” between two teeth.

Disinfection

A chemical agent used to remove bacteria from objects such as chairs, countertops, etc.

Distal

A direction in the mouth.  Refers to anything AWAY from the midline.

Dry Socket

A painful condition that involves losing the blood clot after a tooth extraction.  Read more about dry socket here.

E

Edema

Buildup of fluids in a tissue

Edentulous

Missing all teeth

Embrasure

The natural space between two teeth caused by the curvature of the teeth

Enamel

The hardest substance in the body!!!  Composes the outside layer of all teeth.

Endodontics

The branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the dental pulp (i.e. root canals)

Erosion

The wearing away of tooth structure caused by chemical substances, i.e. citric juices

Eruption

When the tooth comes in or appears in the mouth for the first time

Excision

To cut out or remove

Exfoliate

To shed.  For instance when we lose our baby teeth they are said to exfoliate.

Extraction

The surgical removal of a tooth by the dentist

F

Filling

A restoration placed in the tooth to fill a hole/cavity.  Can be composite or mercury.

Flipper

A temporary tooth or denture used to replace a missing tooth.  Flippers are only used until a long term prosthesis is created or until the permanent tooth comes in.

Floss

A waxy strand used to remove food debris and bacteria from in between teeth.

Fluoride

A chemical agent that hardens tooth structure and helps in preventing decay.

FMX

A full mouth series.  Refers to a full set of xrays.  This allows the dentist to get a complete view of whats going on in the mouth.

Foramen

The hole in the bottom of the tooth (at the root).  This is where the nerves and blood supply enter the tooth.  This is also how the tooth communicates with the rest of the body.

Fossa

A pit, or depression on the tooth

Framework

A metal skeleton of the removable partial denture.  All teeth, clasps, and resin (fake gums) are attached to this skeleton.

Furcation

The area where the root separates or divides.

G

General dentist

A dentist who treats the general population.

Gingival hypertrophy

A condition in which the gums appear inflamed and swollen.  An overgrowth of the gums.

Gingivectomy

Surgical removal of extra gingival tissue/gums

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums.  Please see article for more details.

Gutta percha

A material used to fill a tooth when doing a root canal procedure.