Dental Glossary

Amalgam

Amalgam is a strong material used by dentists to fill cavities (holes) in teeth. It is made from a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Amalgam fillings are very durable and can last for many years. They help restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, making them strong and functional again.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia is a special medicine that dentists use to make sure you don’t feel any pain during dental procedures. There are different types of anesthesia. For example, local anesthesia numbs a small area in your mouth, like when you get a filling, so you won’t feel anything while the dentist works on your tooth. This helps keep you comfortable during the treatment.

Anterior

The term anterior refers to the front teeth in your mouth. These include your incisors and canines, which are the teeth you see when you smile. Dentists often focus on the anterior teeth when performing cosmetic procedures to make sure your smile looks its best. These teeth are important for biting into food and for your overall appearance.

Apex

The apex is the tip of a tooth’s root. It’s located deep inside your gums. When a tooth gets infected, sometimes the infection reaches the apex. During a root canal treatment, the dentist cleans out the infected area all the way to the apex to save the tooth and prevent further infection.

Arch

In dentistry, an arch refers to the curved arrangement of all your teeth in either the upper jaw (upper arch) or the lower jaw (lower arch). Orthodontic treatments, like braces, help make sure your teeth are lined up correctly within the dental arch, giving you a straight and beautiful smile.

Attrition

Attrition is the natural wearing down of your teeth over time due to normal activities like chewing and grinding food. Sometimes, if you grind your teeth a lot (a condition called bruxism), your teeth can wear down faster. Dentists can help by providing treatments or appliances to protect your teeth from excessive wear.

Bicuspid

Bicuspids, also known as premolars, are the teeth located between your canines (the pointy teeth) and your molars (the big chewing teeth at the back). Bicuspids have two points (cusps) on their surface and are used to help chew and grind food. They play an important role in breaking down food before you swallow it.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure where the dentist removes a small piece of tissue from your mouth to look at it more closely under a microscope. This is usually done if there’s an unusual lump or sore that needs to be checked out. The biopsy helps the dentist figure out if there’s anything serious, like an infection or a disease, that needs treatment.

Braces

Braces are special devices used to straighten your teeth and correct any misalignment. They consist of brackets that are attached to your teeth and connected by wires. Over time, braces gently move your teeth into the right position. Many kids and teens get braces to improve their smiles and make their teeth function better.

Bridge

A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It’s called a bridge because it literally bridges the gap left by the missing teeth. A bridge is made up of artificial teeth (called pontics) that are anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. This helps restore your ability to chew and speak properly and keeps your other teeth from shifting out of place.

Canker Sore

A canker sore is a small, painful ulcer that appears inside your mouth. It usually has a white or yellow center with a red border. Canker sores can make it uncomfortable to eat or talk, but they usually heal on their own within a week or two. If you get canker sores often, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about it.

Cavity

A cavity is a hole that forms in your tooth when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at the tooth’s enamel. Cavities are common, especially in kids, but they can be prevented by brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding too many sugary snacks. If you get a cavity, the dentist will clean out the decayed part of the tooth and fill it with a material like amalgam or composite resin to restore its shape and function.

Cement

Dental cement is a special glue that dentists use to attach crowns, bridges, and other restorations to your teeth. It helps keep these dental appliances securely in place so they can function properly. Dental cement is strong and can withstand the forces of chewing and biting.

Composite

Composite is a tooth-colored material that dentists use for fillings, bonding, and other cosmetic procedures. It can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, making it ideal for repairing visible areas in your smile. Composite fillings are popular because they blend in well with your teeth and look very natural.

Crown

A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. It can be made from different materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. Crowns restore the tooth’s shape, size, and strength, and improve its appearance. They are often used after a root canal treatment or to cover a large filling.

Cusp

A cusp is a pointed part of a tooth that helps in biting and tearing food. Molars, which are the big teeth at the back of your mouth, usually have several cusps to help grind up food. The cusps play an important role in chewing and preparing food for swallowing.

Deciduous Teeth

Deciduous teeth, also known as baby teeth or primary teeth, are the first set of teeth that children get. These teeth start coming in when you’re a baby and eventually fall out to make way for your permanent teeth. Taking good care of deciduous teeth is important because they help children eat and speak properly and hold space for the permanent teeth that will come in later.

Dentin

Dentin is the layer of tooth structure beneath the enamel. It’s not as hard as enamel and can be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures if it’s exposed. When a cavity forms, it often reaches the dentin, which is why it’s important to treat cavities early to avoid discomfort.

Denture

A denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth. There are two types of dentures: partial dentures, which replace some missing teeth, and complete dentures, which replace all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. Dentures help restore your ability to chew and speak and improve the appearance of your smile.

Enamel

Enamel is the hard, outer layer of your teeth that protects them from decay and damage. It’s the hardest substance in the human body, but it can still be worn down by acidic foods and drinks, brushing too hard, or grinding your teeth. Keeping your enamel strong is important for maintaining healthy teeth.

Endodontics

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the inside of the tooth, especially the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the root. Endodontists are specialists who perform root canal treatments, which involve removing infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth to save it from extraction.

Extraction

Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This is usually done when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed and cannot be saved, or when there’s not enough room for all the teeth, like with wisdom teeth. Dentists make sure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.

Filling

A dental filling is used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay (a cavity). The dentist cleans out the decayed part of the tooth and fills the space with a material like amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain. This restores the tooth’s shape and function and prevents further decay.

Gingiva

Gingiva, commonly known as gums, are the soft tissues that surround and support your teeth. Healthy gums are pink and firm and play a vital role in protecting the roots of your teeth and the bone that holds them in place. Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, helps keep your gums healthy.

Halitosis

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. It can be caused by poor oral hygiene, certain foods, gum disease, or other health issues. Brushing your teeth and tongue, flossing, and drinking plenty of water can help prevent halitosis. If bad breath persists, it’s a good idea to see your dentist.

Hygiene

Dental hygiene refers to the practices you follow to keep your mouth clean and healthy. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Good dental hygiene helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

Implant

A dental implant is a small, metal post that is surgically placed into your jawbone to act as a replacement for a missing tooth root. Once the implant is in place, a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached to it, providing a stable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. Implants look and function like natural teeth.

Incisor

Incisors are the front teeth in your mouth that have sharp edges for cutting food. You have four incisors in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw. These teeth are important for biting into foods like apples and carrots. They also play a key role in your overall appearance and smile.

Inlay

A dental inlay is a custom-made filling that fits into the grooves of a tooth. It is used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma but don’t need a full crown. Inlays are made from materials like porcelain or composite resin and are designed to match the color of your natural teeth.

Mandible

The mandible is the lower jawbone, which holds the lower teeth and allows the mouth to open and close. It is the only movable bone in your skull and plays a crucial role in chewing, speaking, and facial expression.

Maxilla

The maxilla is the upper jawbone, which holds the upper teeth and forms part of the roof of the mouth. It is connected to the rest of the skull and provides support for the upper facial structures, including the nose and eyes.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontists use devices like braces and clear aligners to correct issues such as crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites, helping to improve both appearance and function.

Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much. This can affect how your teeth fit together and can sometimes cause problems with chewing and speaking. Orthodontic treatments, like braces, can help correct an overbite and improve your bite.

Palate

The palate is the roof of your mouth, which separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. It is divided into two parts: the hard palate at the front and the soft palate at the back. The palate plays an important role in speaking and swallowing.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums and the structures that support your teeth. It starts with inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and can progress to affect the bone and tissues around the teeth. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent and treat periodontal disease.

Plaque

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. It can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed regularly through brushing and flossing. Plaque that is not cleaned away can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.

Pulp

Dental pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. It helps nourish the tooth during its development. If the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause pain and require treatment, such as a root canal, to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.

Retainer

A dental retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps keep your teeth in their new positions after orthodontic treatment, like braces. Retainers can be removable or fixed and are usually worn at night. They are important for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment and preventing teeth from shifting back.

Root Canal

A root canal is a procedure used to treat an infected or damaged tooth. The dentist removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and fills them with a special material to prevent further infection. This helps save the tooth and eliminates pain.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that dentists use to treat gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the roots of the teeth to help gums reattach to the teeth. This procedure helps improve gum health and prevent further infection.

Sealant

A dental sealant is a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent cavities. Sealants fill in the grooves and pits of the teeth, creating a smooth surface that is easier to clean and less likely to develop decay.

Tongue

The tongue is a muscular organ in your mouth that helps you speak, taste, and swallow. It also helps move food around while you chew and plays a role in cleaning your teeth. Keeping your tongue clean is an important part of good oral hygiene.

Ultrasonic Scaler

An ultrasonic scaler is a dental tool that uses high-frequency vibrations to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. It is often used during professional cleanings to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Veneer

A veneer is a thin shell made of porcelain or composite resin that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers can be used to fix chipped, stained, or misaligned teeth, giving you a brighter, more even smile.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come in, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Sometimes, there isn’t enough room in the mouth for these teeth, causing them to become impacted (stuck) or to grow in at an angle. Dentists often remove wisdom teeth to prevent problems with crowding, infection, or pain.

X-ray

An X-ray, or radiograph, is a type of imaging that dentists use to see inside your teeth and jawbone. X-rays help dentists detect problems that are not visible during a regular exam, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, or impacted teeth. They are an important tool for diagnosing and planning treatment.