Terms R-Z

R

Radiograph

An x-ray.  Allows to dentist to detect the presence of a cavity or any type of disease that may be associated with the teeth/oral cavity

Recall

A dental “check up” appointment meant to follow up with a previously performed procedure.

Recementation

To “re-adhere” a prosthesis back on the tooth.  For example, if a crown falls off, it will need to be recemented.

Resin filling

A tooth colored composite restoration.

Retainer

An appliance used to maintain the teeth in a specific position.  Usually used after orthodontic treatment.

Root canal

A dental procedure that complete removes the pulp in a tooth and replaces it with a restorative material.  This procedure is performed when bacteria has penetrated the dental pulp.

Root planing

The removal of bacteria and other debris from the root surface of a tooth.

Rubber dam

A rubber sheet used to isolate the tooth from other structures in the mouth.

S

Scaling

The process of thoroughly cleaning the surfaces of teeth.

Sealant

Using a restorative material to “fill-in” the grooves and pits on a tooth so as to prevent decay.

Sedation

The use of a medication to relax and calm the patient.

Space maintainer

A device used in the area of a missing tooth to prevent the surrounding teeth from impinging or moving into the open space.

Splint

A device used to prevent movement

Sterilization

The process of removing all bacteria (including spores) from objects or an area.

Supernumerary

Extra teeth outside of the normal 32.

Suture

A surgical stitch/To sew up a wound

T

Tartar

Another name for 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.

TMD

Temoporomandibular disease.  Refers to any type of abnormality or dysfunction involved with the TMJ joint.

TMJ

Temporomandibular Joint.  The location where the temporal bone joins with the mandibular (jaw) bone.  A very important joint involved with all functions of the oral cavity, including speaking and chewing.

Topical

Anesthesia or medication applied directly to the area in question.

Torus

A bony outgrowth.

U

No terms

V

Veneer

A type of tooth colored ceramic restoration that covers the front portion of the tooth.  It is used to make the teeth appear more “aesthetically appealing”.

W

Wisdom teeth

3^rd molars.

X

Xerostomia

Dry mouth

Y

No terms

Z

No terms