Abrasion:
Tooth wear caused by improper brushing or excessively forceful use of
toothpicks or floss. Holding objects between the teeth or frequently placing
and removing a dental appliance may also cause abrasion.
abscess:
an infection of a tooth, soft tissue, or bone.
abutment:
tooth or teeth on either side of a missing tooth that support a fixed bridge or
removable partial; also refers to a piece of metal or porcelain that is screwed
on to an implant to allow a crown to be glued on.
acrylic
resin: a plastic widely used in dentistry.
adjustment:
a modification made upon a dental prosthesis after it has been completed and
inserted into the mouth.
air
abrasion/micro abrasion: a drill-free technique that blasts the tooth surface
with air and an abrasive. This is a relatively new technology that may avoid
the need for an anesthetic and can be used to remove some tooth decay, old
composite restorations and superficial stains and discolourations, and prepare
a tooth surface for bonding or sealants.
alveolar
bone: the bone surrounding the root of the tooth, anchoring it in place; loss
of this bone is a possible sign of periodontal (gum) disease.
amalgam:
a common filling material used to repair cavities. The material, also known as
"silver fillings," contains mercury in combination with silver, tin,
copper, and sometimes zinc.
anaerobic
bacteria: bacteria that do not need oxygen to grow; they are generally
associated with periodontal disease (see below).
analgesia:
a state of pain relief; an agent for lessening pain.
anesthesia:
a type of medication that results in partial or complete elimination of pain
sensation; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general
anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness.
antibiotic:
a drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria.
antiseptic:
a chemical agent that can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs.
apex:
the tip of the root of a tooth.
appliance:
any removable dental restoration or orthodontic device.
arch:
a description of the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.
baby
bottle tooth decay: decay in infants and children, most often affecting the
upper front teeth, caused by liquids given and left clinging to the teeth for
long periods (for example, in feeding bottles or pacifiers); also called
"early childhood caries."
bicuspid:
the fourth and fifth teeth from the center of the mouth to the back of the
mouth; these are the back teeth that are used for chewing and have only have
two points (cusps). Adults have eight bicuspids (also called premolars), two in
front of each group of molars.
biofeedback:
a relaxation technique that involves learning how to better cope with pain and
stress by altering behavior, thoughts, and feelings.
biopsy:
removal of a small piece of tissue for diagnostic examination.
bite:
relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure (occlusion).
bitewing:
a single X-ray that shows upper and lower teeth (from crown to about the level
of the supporting bone) in a select area on the same film to check for decay in
between teeth.
bleaching:
chemical treatment of natural teeth that uses peroxide to produce the whitening
effect.
bonding:
a process by which dental materials are mechanically attached to teeth; this
would include composite resin, porcelain, and metal.
bone
resorption: decrease in the amount of bone supporting the roots of teeth; a
common result of periodontal (gum) disease.
braces:
devices (bands, wires, ceramic appliances) put in place by orthodontists to
gradually reposition teeth to a more favourable alignment.
bridge:
stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth adjacent to a space;
replaces one or more missing teeth, cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or
implants adjacent to the space. Also called a fixed partial denture.
bruxism:
grinding or gnashing of the teeth, most commonly during sleep.
calcium:
an element needed for the development of healthy teeth, bones, and nerves.
calculus:
hard, calcium-like deposits that form on teeth due to inadequate plaque
control, often stained yellow or brown. Also called "tartar."
canker
sore: sores or small shallow ulcers that appear in the mouth and often make
eating and talking uncomfortable; they typically appear in people between the
ages of 10 and 20 and last about a week in duration before disappearing.
cap:
common term for a dental crown.
caries:
tooth decay or "cavities;" a dental infection caused by toxins
produced by bacteria.
cementum:
hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth.
clasp:
device that holds a removable partial denture to stationary teeth.
cleaning:
removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) from teeth, generally above the gum
line.
cleft
lip: a physical split or separation of the two sides of the upper lip that
appears as a narrow opening or gap in the skin of the upper lip. This
separation often extends beyond the base of the nose and includes the bones of
the upper jaw and/or upper gum.
cleft
palate: a split or opening in the roof of the mouth.
composite
resin filling: tooth-coloured restorative material composed of plastic with
small glass or ceramic particles; usually "cured" or hardened with
filtered light or chemical catalyst. An alternative to silver amalgam fillings.
conventional
denture: a denture that is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12
weeks after the teeth have been removed.
cosmetic
(aesthetic) dentistry: a branch of dentistry under which treatments are
performed to enhance the colour and shape of teeth.
crown:
(1) the portion of a tooth above the gum line that is covered by enamel; (2)
dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth; the artificial
cap can be made of porcelain, composite, or metal and is cemented on top of the
damaged tooth.
cuspids:
the third tooth from the centre of the mouth to the back of the mouth. These
are the front teeth that have one rounded or pointed edge used for biting. Also
known as canines.
cusps:
the high points on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
cyst:
an abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or a semisolid material.
DDS:
Doctor of Dental Surgery -- equivalent to DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine.
decay:
destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.
deciduous
teeth: commonly called "baby teeth" or primary teeth; the first set
of (usually) 20 teeth.
demineralization:
loss of mineral from tooth enamel just below the surface in a carious lesion;
usually appears as a white area on the tooth surface.
dentin:
inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel.
denture:
a removable or fixed replacement of artificial teeth for missing natural teeth
and surrounding tissues. Two types of removable dentures are available --
complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are
missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
DMD:
Doctor of Medical Dentistry; equivalent to DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery.
dry
mouth: a condition in which the flow of saliva is reduced and there is not
enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. Dry mouth can be the result of certain
medications (such as antihistamines and decongestants), certain diseases (such
as Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes), certain
medical treatments (such as head and neck radiation), as well as nerve damage,
dehydration, tobacco use, and surgical removal of the salivary glands. Also
called xerostomia.
dry
socket: a common complication that occurs when either a blood clot has failed
to form in an extracted tooth socket or else the blood clot that did form has
been dislodged.
edentulous:
having no teeth.
enamel:
the hard, mineralized material that covers the outside portion of the tooth that
lies above the gum line (the crown).
endodontics:
a field of dentistry concerned with the biology and pathology of the dental
pulp and root tissues of the tooth and with the prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment of diseases and injuries of these tissues. Root canal therapy is a
commonly performed endodontic procedure.
endodontist:
a dental specialist concerned with the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and
treatment of diseases and injuries of the human dental pulp or the nerve of the
tooth.
eruption:
the emergence of the tooth from its position in the jaw.
extraction:
removal of a tooth.
filling:
restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain, or resin materials.
fistula:
channel emanating pus from an infection site; a gum boil.
flap
surgery: lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone
structures.
flossing:
a thread-like material used to clean between the contact areas of teeth; part
of a good daily oral hygiene plan.
fluoride:
a mineral that helps strengthen teeth enamel making teeth less susceptible to
decay. Fluoride is ingested through food or water, is available in most
toothpastes, or can be applied as a gel or liquid to the surface of teeth by a
dentist.
fluorosis:
discolouration of the enamel due to too much fluoride ingestion (greater than
one part per million) into the bloodstream, also called enamel mottling.
general
dentist: the primary care dental provider. This dentist diagnoses, treats, and
manages overall oral health care needs, including gum care, root canals,
fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, preventive education, and treating diseases
of the mouth.
gingiva:
the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth; the pink tissue around
the teeth.
gingivectomy:
surgical removal of gum tissue.
gingivitis:
inflamed, swollen, and reddish gum tissue that may bleed easily when touched or
brushed. It is the first stage in a series of events that begins with plaque
build up in the mouth and may end -- if not properly treated -- with periodontitis
and tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds and supports the
teeth.
gingivoplasty:
a procedure performed by periodontists to reshape the gum tissue.
gold
fillings: an alternative to silver amalgam fillings.
gum
recession: exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of
abrasion, erosion, periodontal disease, or surgery.
gutta
percha: material used in the filling of root canals.
halitosis:
bad breath of oral or gastrointestinal origin.
handpiece:
the instrument used to remove, shape, finish, or modify teeth and dental
materials in dental operations.
hard
palate: the bony front portion of the roof of the mouth.
hygienist:
a licensed, auxiliary dental professional who is both an oral health educator
and clinician who uses preventive, therapeutic, and educational methods to
control oral disease.
hypersensitivity:
a sharp, sudden painful reaction in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet,
sour, salty, chemical, or mechanical stimuli.
immediate
denture: a complete or partial denture that is made in advance and can be
positioned as soon as the natural teeth are removed.
impacted
tooth: a tooth that is partially or completely blocked from erupting through
the surface of the gum. An impacted tooth may push other teeth together or
damage the bony structures supporting the adjacent tooth. Often times, impacted
teeth must be surgically removed.
implant:
a metal rod (usually made of titanium) that is surgically placed into the upper
or lower jawbone where a tooth is missing; it serves as the tooth root and
anchor for the crown, bridge, or denture that is placed over it.
impression:
mold made of the teeth and soft tissues.
incision
and drainage: surgical incision of an abscess to drain pus.
incisors:
four upper and four lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth).
These teeth are used primarily for tearing and cutting.
inlay:
similar to a filling but made outside the mouth and then cemented or bonded in.
The entire work lies within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of the
tooth.
jawbone:
The hard bone that supports the face and includes alveolar bone, which anchors
the teeth.
leukoplakia:
a white or gray patch that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek.
It is the mouth's reaction to chronic irritation of the mucous membranes of the
mouth.
malocclusion:
"bad bite" or misalignment of the teeth or jaws.
mandible:
the lower jaw.
maxilla:
the upper jaw.
mercury:
a metal component of amalgam fillings.
molars:
three back teeth in each dental quadrant used for grinding food.
mouth
guard: a device that is inserted into the mouth and worn over the teeth to
protect them against impact or injury.
muscle
relaxant: a type of medication often prescribed to reduce muscle contractions,
thus relieving pain.
nerve:
tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, and position information to the
brain.
nerve
(root) canal: dental pulp; the internal chamber of a tooth where the nerves and
blood vessels pass.
night
guard: a removable appliance that fits over the upper or lower teeth used to
prevent wear and temporomandibular damage caused by grinding or gnashing of the
teeth during sleep.
nitrous
oxide: a gas (also called laughing gas) used to reduce patient anxiety.
NSAID:
a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often used as a dental analgesic.
occlusal
X-rays: an X-ray showing full tooth development and placement. Each X-ray
reveals the entire arch of teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
occlusion:
the relationship of the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are closed.
onlay:
a type of restoration (filling) made of metal, porcelain, or acrylic that is
more extensive than an inlay in that it covers one or more cusps. Onlays are
sometimes called partial crowns.
oral
cavity: the mouth.
oral
and maxillofacial radiologist: the oral health care provider who specializes in
the production and interpretation of all types of X-ray images and data that
are used in the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders, and conditions
of the oral and maxillofacial region.
oral
and maxillofacial surgery: surgical procedures on the mouth including
extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws.
oral
hygiene: process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related
structures.
oral
medicine: the specialty of dentistry that provides for the care of the
medically complex patient through the integration of medicine and oral health
care.
oral
pathologist: the oral health care provider who studies the causes of diseases
that alter or affect the oral structures (teeth, lips, cheeks, jaws) as well as
parts of the face and neck.
oral
surgeon: the oral health care provider who performs many types of surgical
procedures in and around the entire face, mouth, and jaw area.
orthodontics:
dental specialty that using braces, retainers, and other dental devices to
treat misalignment of teeth, restoring them to proper functioning. Find more
information on how to straighten teeth.
orthodontist:
the oral health provider who specializes in diagnosis, prevention,
interception, and treatment of malocclusions, or "bad bites," of the
teeth and surrounding structures. This is the specialist whose responsibility
it is to straighten teeth by movement of the teeth through bone by the use of
bands, wires, braces, and other fixed or removable corrective appliances or
retainers.
overbite:
an excessive protrusion of the upper jaw resulting in a vertical overlap of the
front teeth.
overjet:
an excessive protrusion of the upper jaw resulting in a horizontal overlap of
the front teeth.
overdenture:
denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants.
rinsing:
antiseptic (antibacterial) rinses reduce bacteria in the mouth that cause
plaque and bad breath. Fluoride rinses help prevent tooth decay (cavities).
palate:
hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth.
panoramic
X-ray: a type of X-ray that shows a complete two dimensional representation of
all the teeth in the mouth. This X-ray also shows the relationship of the teeth
to the jaws and the jaws to the head.
partial
denture: a removable appliance that replaces some of the teeth in either the
upper or lower jaw.
pathology:
study of disease.
pedodontics
or pediatric dentistry: dental specialty focusing on treatment of infants,
children, and young adults.
pedodontist/pediatric
dentist: the oral health care provider who specializes in the diagnosis and
treatment of the dental problems of children from infancy to young adulthood.
This provider also usually cares for special needs patients.
periapical:
region at the end of the roots of teeth.
periapical
X-rays: X-rays providing complete side views from the roots to the crowns of
the teeth.
periodontal
ligament: The connective tissue that surrounds the tooth (specifically covering
the cementum) and connects the tooth to the jawbone, holding it in place.
periodontist:
the dental specialist who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing
diseases of the soft tissues of the mouth (the gums) and the supporting
structures (bones) of the teeth (both natural and man-made teeth).
periodontitis:
a more advanced stage of periodontal disease in which the inner layer of the
gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets and alveolar bone is
destroyed.
periodontium:
The tissue -- including the gum, bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament --
that both surrounds and supports the tooth.
permanent
teeth: the teeth that replace the deciduous or primary teeth -- also called
baby teeth. There are (usually) 32 adult teeth in a complete dentition.
plaque:
a colourless, sticky film composed of undigested food particles mixed with
saliva and bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. Plaque left alone
eventually turns in to tartar or calculus and is the main factor in causing
dental caries and periodontal disease.
pontic:
a replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance.
porcelain:
a tooth-coloured, glass-like material; much like enamel in appearance.
porcelain
crown: all porcelain restoration covering the coronal portion of tooth (above
the gum line).
porcelain
fused to metal (PFM) crown: restoration with metal coping (for strength)
covered by porcelain (for appearance).
porcelain
inlay or onlay: tooth-coloured restoration made of porcelain, cemented or
bonded in place.
post:
thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy;
provides retention for a cap that replaces lost tooth structure.
pregnancy
gingivitis: gingivitis that develops during pregnancy. The hormonal changes
that occur during pregnancy -- especially the increased level of progesterone
-- may make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow and make
gum tissue more sensitive to plaque and exaggerate the body's response to the
toxins (poisons) that result from plaque.
pregnancy
tumors: an extreme inflammatory reaction to a local irritation (such as food
particles or plaque) that occurs in up to 10% of pregnant women and often in
women who also have pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy tumors appear on inflamed
gum tissue as large lumps with deep red pinpoint markings on it, usually near
the upper gum line. The red lump glistens, may bleed and crust over, and can
make eating and speaking difficult and cause discomfort.
primary
teeth: the first set of 20 temporary teeth. Also called baby teeth, the primary
dentition, or deciduous teeth, normally fall out one by one between ages 6 and
12.
prophylaxis:
the cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth
decay.
prosthetics:
a fixed or removable appliance used to replace missing teeth (for example,
bridges, partials, and dentures).
prosthodontist:
a dental specialist who is skilled in restoring or replacing teeth with fixed
or removable prostheses (appliances), maintaining proper occlusion; treats
facial deformities with artificial prostheses such as eyes, ears, and noses.
pulp:
the living part of the tooth, located inside the dentin. Pulp contains the
nerve tissue and blood vessels that supply nutrients to the tooth.
radiographic:
refers to X-rays.
radio
wave therapy: a therapy involving the use of low level electrical stimulation
to increase blood flow and provide pain relief. In dentistry, this is one type
of therapy that can be applied to the joint of individuals with
temporomandibular disorder.
recontouring:
a procedure in which small amounts of tooth enamel are removed to change a
tooth's length, shape, or surface. Also called odontoplasty, enameloplasty,
stripping, or slenderizing.
remineralization:
redeposition or replacement of the tooth's minerals into a demineralized
(previously decayed) lesion. This reverses the decay process, and is enhanced
by the presence of topical fluoride.
restorations:
any replacement for lost tooth structure or teeth; for example, bridges,
dentures, fillings, crowns, and implants.
retainer:
a removable appliance used to maintain teeth in a given position (usually worn
at night).
root:
tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw.
root
canal therapy: procedure used to save an abscessed tooth in which the pulp
chamber is cleaned out, disinfected, and filled with a permanent filling.
rubber
dam: soft latex or vinyl sheet used to establish isolation of one or more teeth
from contamination by oral fluids and to keep materials from falling to the
back of the throat.
saliva:
clear lubricating fluid in the mouth containing water, enzymes, bacteria,
mucus, viruses, blood cells and undigested food particles.
salivary
glands: glands located under tongue and in cheeks that produce saliva.
scaling
and root planing: a deep-cleaning, nonsurgical procedure whereby plaque and
tartar from above and below the gum line are scraped away (scaling) and rough
spots on the tooth root are made smooth (planing).
sealants:
a thin, clear or white resin substance that is applied to the biting surfaces
of teeth to prevent decay.
sedative:
a type of medication used to reduce pain and anxiety, and create a state of
relaxation.
soft
palate: the back one-third of the roof of the mouth composed of soft tissue.
space
maintainer: dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of
baby teeth.
stains:
can be either extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stain is located on the outside
of the tooth surface originating from external substances such as tobacco,
coffee, tea, or food; usually removed by polishing the teeth with an abrasive
prophylaxis paste. Intrinsic stain originates from the ingestion of certain
materials or chemical substances during tooth development, or from the presence
of caries. This stain is permanent and cannot be removed.
stomatitis:
an inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture. Ill-fitting dentures, poor
dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans can cause the
condition.
supernumerary
tooth: an extra tooth.
tartar:
common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth; produces
rough surface that attracts plaque.
teething:
baby teeth pushing through the gums.
temporomandibular
disorder (TMD)/temporomandibular joint (TMJ): the term given to a problem that
concerns the muscles and joint that connect the lower jaw with the skull. The
condition is characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open or
move the jaw. It is often accompanied by a clicking or popping sound when the
jaw is opened or closed.
thrush:
an infection in the mouth caused by the fungus Candida.
tooth
whitening: a chemical or laser process to lighten the colour of teeth.
topical
anesthetic: ointment that produces mild anesthesia when applied to a soft
tissue surface.
transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): a therapy that uses low-level electrical
currents to provide pain relief. In dentistry, TENS is one type of therapy that
can be used to relax the jaw joint and facial muscles.
transplant:
placing a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth.
trauma:
injury caused by external force, chemical, temperature extremes, or poor tooth
alignment.
trigger-point
injections: a method of relieving pain whereby pain medication or anesthesia is
injected into tender muscles called "trigger points." In dentistry,
this can be used in individuals with temporomandibular disorders.
ultrasound:
a treatment in which deep heat is applied to an affected area to relieve
soreness or improve mobility. In dentistry, ultrasound can be used to treat
temporomandibular disorders.
underbite:
when the lower jaw protrudes forward causing the lower jaw and teeth to extend
out beyond the upper teeth.
unerupted
tooth: a tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct
position in the dental arch.
veneer:
a thin, custom-made shell of tooth-coloured plastic or porcelain that is bonded
directly to the front side of natural teeth to improve their appearance -- for
example, to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth, or
change colour and/or shape.
wisdom
teeth: third (last) molars that usually erupt between ages 18 and 25.
xerostomia:
dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva.
X-rays:
high frequency light (or radiation) that penetrates different substances with
different rates and absorption. In dentistry, there are typically four types of
X-rays: periapical, bite-wing, occlusal, and panoramic.
