Dictionary

abrasion: An erosion of tooth structure caused by incorrect brushing, hard toothbrushes or teeth grinding.

abscess: A tooth infection. Also an infection of the mouth's soft tissue or the jaw bone.

abutment: The teeth that support a dental bridge.

accelerated orthodontics: Periodontal surgery used to shorten the time required for orthodontic results.

acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis: Gum disease causing tissue loss and mouth sores. Caused by smoking and/or stress.

adhesive dentistry: The binding of fillings to teeth.

alveolar bone: The portion of the jaw that contains the teeth's nerve roots.

amalgam: A common filling material, also known as silver fillings. Composed of fifty percent mercury as well as copper, silver, tin, and zinc.

anesthesia: A temporary blocking of pain through loss of sensation.

anterior teeth: The six upper and six lower front teeth.

apex: The upper tip of a tooth's nerve root.

apicoectomy: The removal of an apex, or the tip of a tooth root.

arch: Tooth alignment.

attrition: Erosion of the teeth due to age and natural wear and tear.

base: Cement used during dental work to insulate tooth's nerve chamber (the pulp).

bicuspid: The teeth between the cuspids and the molars.

bite: The position and relationship between the upper and lower teeth when biting down.

bleaching: Any treatment that whitens stained or discolored teeth.

block injection: An anesthetic injection that numbs a large area of the jaw, mouth and teeth.

bonding: A tooth-colored resin used to repair or reshape teeth.

bone resorption: A loss of the bone supporting teeth roots, often due to gum disease.

braces: Wire devices used in orthodontics to reposition teeth.

bruxism: Teeth grinding.

calcium: Element necessary for healthy teeth.

calculus: A hard yellow-brown covering that forms over teeth. Also called tarter.

cantilever bridge: A dental bridge that attaches to neighboring teeth at one end.

caries: Tooth decay or cavities.

cavities: Another name for caries, or tooth decay.

cellulitis: A soft tissue infection.

cementum: The hard tissue that covers and protects a tooth's root nerve.

composite resin: A dental filling material composed of plastic combined with glass or ceramic materials.

cosmetic dentistry: Dentistry to improve appearance.

cosmetic gum surgery: Cosmetic surgery that removes gum tissue for a more attractive smile.

cuspid: The four "eye teeth." Also known as canines.

damon brackets: Orthodontic devices that allow wire braces to slide for adjustment.

DDS: Doctor of Dental Surgery.

decay: Damage to teeth caused by bacterial toxins.

deciduous teeth: The first set of teeth. Also called baby teeth.

dental air abrasion: The use of forced air and abrasives to remove unwanted tooth structures.

dental bridges: A dental device used to replace missing teeth.

dental cap: Another name for a dental crown.

dental contouring: The reshaping of teeth to make them straighter.

dental crown: A cover or cap used to replace a missing piece of tooth.

dental implant: A device used to anchor an artificial tooth or bridge.

dental inlays: A filling that repairs a broken or decayed area of tooth.

dental veneers: A cosmetic covering, usually of porcelain or plastic, used to improve the appearance of chipped or cracked teeth.

dentin: The portion of tooth directly beneath the enamel.

dentition: The position of teeth in the mouth.

dentures: Removable artificial teeth.

diastema: A space between two teeth.

DMD: Doctor of Medical Dentistry.

enamel: The hard outer layer of a tooth.

endodontics: The study and treatment of the internal tissue of the teeth.

eruption: How teeth push through the gums.

exfoliate: The loss of baby teeth.

extraction: The removal of a tooth.