A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  L M-Z

The Tooth Surfaces -
Mesial (M) - Toward the midline of the front teeth ( in back teeth, this would be the front of the tooth)
Distal (D) - Away from the midline of the front teeth (in back teeth this would be the back surface of the tooth
Occlusal (O) - The chewing surface of back teeth
Incisal (I) - The biting surface of the front teeth
Buccal (B) - The surface of back teeth towards the cheeks
Facial (F) - The surface of front teeth towards the lips; sometimes called labial
Lingual (L) - The surface of the teeth towards the tongue (or towards the palate

A

Abrasion - Loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique, or bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth)

Abscess - A localized infection involving the bone and/or soft tissues; may be accompanied by pain and swelling

Abutment - The natural teeth on either side of a missing tooth; the part of the bridge used to support the replacement of the missing teeth (the pontic) A crown unit used as part of a fixed bridge

Acid etch - A procedure where a weak acid is smeared on your teeth to ready your teeth for restorative materials; Helps your dental restorations stay on better by creating an area that makes for a stronger bond

Acrylic - A plastic used to make false teeth, retainers, and other dental products

Adhesive dentistry - - Contemporary term for dental restorations that involve bonding of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth

Alginate - An impression material that the dentist uses to make models of your oral cavity; is safe and non-toxic, but should only be used by a dental professional

Allergy - Unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug

Alloy - Any mixture of two or more metals; Usually used in reference to dental amalgam or the bases for denture framework and crowns/bridges

Alveolar bone - The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth

Alveoloplasty - A surgical procedure used to recontour the supporting bone structures in preparation of a complete or partial denture

Amalgam - This is the most common filling material used for filling the back teeth; also referred to as silver fillings

ANUG - An acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis; is commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent's disease, aggravated by stress and/or smoking

Analgesia - A state of pain relief; an agent lessening pain

Anatomy - The study of the structures in the human body; the curves, grooves, and cusps of a natural tooth or crown

Anesthesia - Without the sensation of pain; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness

Anesthetic - A drug which the dentist uses to put you, your mouth, or some other part of your body asleep so you do not feel any pain during dental or medical procedures; Local anesthetic is used to get just a small area of the tissue numb.

Anterior - An adjective used to describe things pertaining to your Centrals, Laterals and Cuspids (your front teeth)

Anterior Teeth - Your Centrals, Laterals, and Cuspids These are the teeth in the front of your mouth; Anteriors (Incisors) - Teeth toward the front of the mouth; numbers 6-11 and 22-27

Antibiotic - A drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria

Antibiotic Prophylaxis - Refers to using antibiotics on patients who are at high risk for bacterial endocarditis, or have had recent (within 2 years) prosthetic joint surgery, to help kill the bacteria that may enter the bloodstream during dental procedures

Antiseptic - A chemical agent which can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs

Apex - The very end of the root of your tooth

Apicoectomy - The amputation of the apex of a tooth to treat an infection

Arch - Collectively, either the teeth or the basal bone of either jaw; the upper or lower jaw

Articulator - A special holder for models of your teeth The articulator holds the models in the same alignment as your jaw so the Dentist can look carefully at your bite

Asepsis - The avoidance of potentially pathogenic microorganisms; In practice, it refers to those techniques, which aims to exclude all microorganisms from a surface or an area

Aspiration - Removal of fluids from your mouth with an aspirator; Inhalation of a foreign body into the airway

Aspirator - A tube like a straw, which the dentist puts in your mouth to suck up the saliva

Attrition - Loss of structure due to natural wear

Autoclave - A machine that sterilizes by using steam and pressure the instruments and handpieces used on patients

B

Base - Cement placed under a dental restoration to insulate the pulp (nerve chamber)

Bicuspid ("premolars") - The first and second bicuspids; those are the fourth and fifth teeth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth, located between cuspids and molars; These are the back teeth that are used for chewing, they only have two points (cusps) Numbers 4-5, 12-13, 20-21, and 28-29

Bifurcation (trifurcation) - Juncture of two (three) roots in posterior teeth

Biopsy - A process of removing tissue to determine the existence of pathology

Bite - The way the teeth fit together when the mouth is closed; relationship of the upper and lower teeth on closure (occlusion)

Bite-plane - A removable appliance made of acrylic designed to open a deep bite

Bitewings - X-rays of the crowns of top and bottom molars to show decay between teeth and under fillings; You bite down on a tab and close your mouth all the way when these are taken

Black hairy tongue - Elongated papillae on the tongue, promoting the growth of microorganisms

Bleaching See Whitening

Block injection - Anesthesia of a nerve trunk that covers a large area of the jaw; a mandibular block injection produce numbness of the lower jaw, teeth, half the tongue

Bonding - The covering of a tooth surface with an enamel-like filling material, to correct stained or damaged teeth This material is sculpted, hardened, and then polished to create a better smile; adhesive dental restoration technique; a tooth-colored composite resin to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth

Bone resorption - Decrease in bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of periodontal (gum) disease

Braces - Devices used by dentists to gradually reposition teeth to a more favorable alignment

Bridge - A cemented appliance to replace one or more missing teeth that is non-removable; Bridges have in the past been made of metal or porcelain fused-to-metal. We are now able to use all-porcelain for bridges to replace a single tooth.
(see bridge)

Bruxism - Involuntary grinding or gnashing of the teeth, usually while the patient is sleeping Many times can be heard by others It can cause premature and excessive wear and shortening of the teeth

Buccal - The tooth surface which is next to your cheeks; Usually only posterior teeth touch your cheeks, so people usually use the term "buccal" only when talking about your back teeth. The same surface of the front teeth would be called facial

C

Canal - The narrow chamber inside the root of the tooth that contains the nerve and blood vessels

Calculus - Is also known as tartar; the sticky film on your teeth (plaque) that has hardened; hardened plaque, which builds up on teeth and requires scaling to remove

Canine - Another name for the cuspids

Canker sore - A mouth sore appearing whitish, often with a red halo, of ten to fourteen day duration

Cantilever bridge - A fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth only on one end

Cap - Another term for crown

Caries - Tooth decay or"cavities"

Cast or model - Reproduction of structures made by pouring plaster or stone into a mold

Cavitron - Dental tool that uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to clean teeth

Cavity - A soft, decaying lesion or hole in a tooth, caused by acid produced by bacteria colonies in the mouth; also, the dental term for the hole that is left after decay has been removed

Cellulitis - Soft tissue infection causing extensive hard swelling, a potentially dangerous condition requiring immediate attention

Cement - A special type of glue used to hold a restoration in place

Cementum - The outermost bony layer of the tooth root

Central - The two upper and two lower teeth in the very center of your mouth

Cephalometric X-ray - An x-ray of the side of the head, usually used in orthodontics to determine the relationship of the upper jaw, lower jaw, and the head; also used to determine airway problems and predict future growth direction - see xrays

Clasp -A device that retains a removable partial denture to stationary teeth

Class II Malocclusion - A Malocclusion where the lower jaw is positioned back further than ideal, in relationship to the upper jaw; may look like they have no chin, or have buck teeth, or "rabbit teeth"

Class III Malocclusion - A Malocclusion where your lower jaw is positioned forward from ideal to it's relationship with the upper jaw; patient may look like they have an "underbite" or like they "lead with their chin"

Cleaning -Removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line

Closed bite - A malocclusion where your upper teeth cover your lower teeth when you bite down This is also called a "deep bite"

Composite Filling - Tooth-colored filling material used to fill cavities directly (not made at the lab )Some insurance companies usually only allow them on the front teeth (anterior teeth) When composites are done on the back teeth (posterior teeth) some insurance companies pay them as if they were amalgam (lower fee) and the patient must pay the difference Composites are also known as resin fillings

Complete Mouth Survey (CMS) - Multiple X-rays taken of the entire tooth structure For an adult, approximately 16-21 films

Complete Series - See Full Mouth X-rays

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) - Artificial procedures employed by a rescuer after cessation of breathing or heart stoppage

Cross bite - Reverse biting relationship of upper and lower teeth; aka "under bite," as in Class III malocclusuion (prognathic jaw)

Cosmetic dentistry - Any dental treatment or repair that is solely rendered to enhance the appearance of the teeth or mouth

Cross-bite - A malocclusion where some of your upper teeth are inside of your lower teeth when you bite down

Crowding - An orthodontic problem caused by having too many teeth in two small of a space

Crown - The portion of a tooth above the gum line; the part of your tooth that is covered by enamel; dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth; an artificial tooth, an artificial replacement for the covering on a tooth, used to restore a tooth that is not strong due to previous large fillings, decay, or previous root canal therapy, or that is discolored or crooked

Crown angulation - A tooth movement in which the root of the tooth is tipped forward or backward to correct the angle of the crown

Crown inclination - A tooth movement in which the root of the tooth is tipped toward cheeks (lips) or toward the lingual (palate) of the mouth

Crown lengthening - A surgical procedure exposing more tooth for restorative or cosmetic purposes

Curettage - Removal of diseased tissue from a periodontal pocket; This periodontal procedure is usually performed one quadrant at a time, many times with a local anesthetic

Curing Light - A special Ultra Violet (UV) light used to help attach brackets to your teeth

Cusp - The chewing or tearing points of the cuspids, bicuspids, and molars

Cuspid - The pointy teeth just behind the laterals These teeth have one cusp (or point) Cuspids are also called canines, or eye teeth

Cyst - A soft or hard tissue sac, hard or filled with fluid

D

DDS - Doctor of Dental Surgery - equivalent to DMD

DMD - Doctor of Medical Dentistry - equivalent to DDS

Decalcification - The loss of calcium from your teeth The first stage of tooth decay This weakens your teeth and makes them more susceptible to decay

Decay - Break down of the tooth structure due to acid caused by bacteria

Deciduous Teeth - Baby teeth or primary teeth See Primary Teeth

Deep bite - Excessive overbite; closed bite

Dental implant - a titanium (usually) cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental restoration or appliance

Dentin - The inner part of a tooth below the enamel containing the pulp chamber and root canals The main tissues of a tooth surrounding the pulp chamber

Dentition - the arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth

Denture - A removable appliance (prosthesis) that replaces all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw A synthetic replacement for all of your teeth in either your upper or your lower jaw

Diagnosis - The process of identifying the nature of a disorder

Diastema - A space between two (usually front) teeth

Direct pulp cap - The procedure in which the exposed pulp is covered with a dressing or cement that protects the pulp and promotes healing and repair

Disinfectant - A chemical agent which is applied onto inanimate surfaces, for example chairs, counter-tops, or other hard surfaces to destroy germs

Disposable materials - Materials intended for one use and discarded (eg Gloves, paper gowns, cotton rolls, sponges, etc)

Distal - Behind towards the back of the mouth For example you might say that the first bicuspid is distal to the cuspid

Dry socket - A localized inflammation of the tooth socket following an extraction

E

Edentulous - Someone is said to be edentulous when all of their teeth are missing from either their upper or lower jaw

Enamel - A hard organic material which covers the exposed part of your teeth The hardest structure in the human body, but susceptible to decay

Endo - See Endodontics

Endodontics - The branch of dentistry concerning diseases of the pulp and bone, bleaching discolored teeth, managing traumatic injuries to the teeth, and performing related surgery to help preserve the natural teeth in a healthy state The most common procedure is Root Canal Therapy

Erosion -The dissolving of enamel by foods or chenicals high in acid (see erosion)

Erupt, Eruption - When a new tooth comes in, the tooth is said to erupt when the tooth breaks through the surface of your gums, so you can see the tooth in your mouth

Etiology -The process of how a disease starts or how it progresses

Exfoliate - The shedding of baby teeth (Your deciduous teeth exfoliate and permanent teeth erupt into the space)

Explorer - A hook-like fine pointed instrument used to detect tooth decay

Extraction - The surgical removal of a tooth that is severely decayed, broken, loose, infected, or causing crowding

Extra-oral photograph - Facial photos taken outside of the oral cavity

Eyeteeth - The four upper and lower canine (cuspid) teeth

F

Facing -Tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown; may be acrylic, composite or porcelain

Facial - Surface of the tooth next to the lip

Filling Restoring lost tooth structure due to trauma or decay with metal, alloy, porcelain or resin

First Bicuspid - The teeth just behind the cuspids These teeth have two cusps (or points)

First Molar - The teeth just behind the second bicuspids These teeth have a level surface with four cusps

Fistula - A channel emanating pus from an infection site; a gum boil

Fixed appliance - Any dental component that is cemented or bonded to the teeth

Flap surgery - the lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures

Fluoride (SYSTEMIC Fluoride) - A naturally-occuring mineral that helps harden the enamel and prevent cavities if ingested (eaten) while the teeth are forming

Fluoride (TOPICAL Fluoride) - A chemical solution or gel which you put on your teeth The fluoride hardens your teeth and prevents tooth decay; fluoride that is placed on the teeth in foam or gel with a tray at the dental visit, or rinsed over the teeth at home or as part of a school routine for children

FMX, FMXR - See Full Mouth X-rays

Forceps - Instrument used for removal of teeth

Fossa - Valley found on the surface of posterior teeth

Freeway space - Distance between the upper and lower teeth with the lower jaw in rest position

Frenum - Small pieces of pink colored skin that attach your lips, cheeks and tongue to your mouth Examples include the piece of skin under your tongue that sticks out when you pick up your tongue, and the piece of skin which sticks out when you pull out your lips

Frenectomy - Removal of the frenum (the thin cord of tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the front tooth area)

Front Teeth - See Anterior Teeth

Full mouth reconstruction - Extensive restorations of natural teeth with crowns and or fixed bridges to manage bite problems, or for cosmetic purposes

Full Mouth X-rays (FMX) - X-rays showing all the teeth Includes 14 periapicals and 2 or 4 bitewings Also known as a complete series or Full Mouth Series - see xrays.

G

Geographic tongue - Benign changes in the usual color and texture of tongue; does not require treatment

Gingiva - The gums; gum tissue

Gingival hypertrophy - The abnormal enlargement of the gingiva surrounding the teeth caused by poor oral hygiene; also a side efffect of some medications, like dilantin

Gingivectomy -Surgical removal of gum tissue

Gingivitis - The inflammation of gum tissue caused by improper brushing and flossing The first sign of periodontal (gum) disease

Gum boil - See fistula

Gum recession - Exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion,periodontal disease or surgery

Gums - The soft tissue that is attached to the teeth

H

Halitosis - Bad breath usually related to poor oral hygiene Typical causes (other than poor oral hygiene) are overuse of alcohol, tobacco, certain foods, and sinus drainage Other less likely causes are certain systemic medical conditions

Hematoma - Swelling of effused blood beneath tissue surface

HMO or DMO - Health (dental) maintenance organization) in which a health-care professional is re-imbursed a pre-determined amount monthly for every patient that signs up with the plan; The monthly stipend is quite low, and some health care professionals have had to make a choice of either providing inferior services or dropping the HMO in order to pay overhead expenses or to make a profit.

Hydrogen peroxide -Disinfecting solution used in dental irrigation procedures or as mouth rinse

Hygienist - Dental auxiliary who cleans teeth and provides patient education; administers local anesthetic and performs periodontal scaling

Hyperemia - Increased blood flow; may cause dental sensitivity to temperature and sweets; may precede an abscess

I

Incisal - The biting edge of your centrals and laterals

Incisors - The central and lateral incisor, those are the first and second teeth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth These are the front teeth with the flat edges for biting Centrals; numbers 8, 9, 24, and 25 Laterals; numbers 6, 10, 22 and 26

Incision and drainage - Surgical incision of an abscess to drain suppuration (pus)

Impacted Tooth - Describes a tooth not fully visible above the gum line, an unerupted tooth that somehow has gotten stuck and cannot come in

Implant - A metal "anchor" that is placed in a hole made in the upper or lower jawbone It "becomes one" with the bone, and can be used to secure crowns, bridges, or dentures

Impressions - For certain laboratory procedures, we need a stone replica (model) of the mouth To make the model, we insert a tray onto the upper or lower teeth or bony ridge that is filled with a paste The paste turns rubbery, and we remove it from the mouth This is called an impression We then pour stone into the impression and the result is a stone model of the teeth and ridge, a true representation of your oral cavity

Infiltration - Local anesthetic procedure effective for upper teeth and soft tissue; placement of anesthetic under the gum, allowing it to seep into bone

Inlay - A laboratory processed custom restoration made of porcelain or cast-metal filling that is cemented to a previously prepared space in the tooth This filling does not involve the high points of the tooth (cusps)

interocclusal - Space between upper and lower teeth

Interproximal - Between the teeth in the same arch; Where the tooth touches the one next to it; The space between adjacent teeth

Intra-Oral - Inside the oral cavity For example, orthodontic rubber bands are called intraoral products since the rubber bands are designed to go in your mouth

Irrigation - The technique of using a solution to wash out your mouth and to flush debris

J

Jacket - (ie; porcelain jacket crown) crown for a front tooth, usually made of porcelain

L

Labial - The tooth surface next to your lips or things mounted on the tooth surfaces next to your lips

Laboratory - Location where dental appliances are fabricated for the patient at the direction of the practitioner

Laminate - Thin plastic or porcelain veneer produced in a dental laboratory and then bonded to a tooth

Laterals - The teeth just adjacent to the centrals

Lesion - Injury of bodily tissue due to infection, trauma or neoplasm

Lingual - The tooth surface next to your tongue or things mounted on the tooth surfaces next to your tongue

Local Anesthesia - Eliminates the sensation of pain in a localized area

M-Z