Glossary
Abscess - Fluoride
| abscess | an infection caused by a decayed tooth |
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 |
| anterior | directed towards the front of the mouth |
| antibiotic | substance that can destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria. |
| bone augmentation | procedure that corrects a lack of bone |
| bar | a connector between two or more implants, which helps to keep a denture in place |
| basal | underneath, on the basis |
| bicuspid | also called premolars. Usually the fourth and fifth teeth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth (small molars). These teeth are used for chewing. Adults have eight bicuspids, two in front of each group of molars. |
| biocompatible | capable of existing in harmony with the surrounding biologic environment. |
| bone resorption | decrease in the amount of bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of periodontal (gum) disease. |
| bridge | dental prosthesis fixed to teeth next to a tooth gap; replaces one or more missing teeth |
| buccal | facing the cheek |
| CAD/CAM | computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing |
| cap | common term for a dental crown |
| canines | also known as cuspids, the third tooth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth. These are the front teeth that have one rounded or pointed edge used for biting |
| caries | holes formed in the teeth due to the activity of microorganisms |
| cement | a substance used in the repair of teeth e.g. for fastening crowns |
| cementum | hard tissue that covers the root and neck of a tooth |
| clasp | device that holds a removable partial denture to natural teeth |
| cleaning | removal of plaque and tartar from teeth, generally above the gum line |
| computed tomography (CT) scan | imaging method involving a radiographic beam passing through human tissues. The collected information can then be digitally coordinated and displayed on a computer monitor or film. Created image data can be used for three-dimensional guidance systems during implant placement. |
| conventional denture | a loose denture to replace teeth |
| coronal | belonging to the crown of a tooth |
| 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 | also known as canines, the third tooth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth. These are the front teeth that have one rounded or pointed edge used for biting |
| decay | destruction of tooth caused by acid produced by bacteria |
| dentin | inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel |
| denture | a removable replacement of artificial teeth for missing natural teeth. Two types of dentures are available -- complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain |
| edentulous | without teeth |
| enamel | the hard, mineralized material that covers the crown |
| epithelium | top cell layer of the mucosal tissue |
| eruption | the emergence of the tooth from its position in the jaw |
| extraction | removal of a tooth |
| facial | (1) belonging to the face (2) the surface of the tooth or appliance nearest the lips or cheeks |
| filling | restoration of lost tooth structure with moldable material that sets in the cavity. A filling made by a dental laboratory is called "inlay" (usually gold or ceramic) |
| floss | 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 available in food or water, in most toothpastes or can be applied as a gel or liquid to the surface of the teeth by a dentist |
Gingiva - Lateral
| gingiva | the soft pink tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth |
| gingivitis | inflamed, swollen, and reddish gum tissue that may bleed easily when touched or brushed. It is the first step in a series of events that begins with plaque buildup 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 |
| guided surgery | implant surgery supported by a drill guide to find the right position for an implant |
| hygienist | a licensed dental professional who uses preventive, therapeutic, and educational methods to control oral disease |
| immediate/final denture | a complete or partial denture that is made in advance and can be positioned immediately after teeth are removed |
| immediate loading | expose dental implants to chewing forces immediately after implantation. May vary from same-day implant loading to shortly-delayed loading depending on availability of the dental laboratory. |
| implant | an artificial tooth root made of titanium which replaces a missing tooth. It looks like a screw that is only a few millimeters long and carefully engineered. |
| impression | a mold made of the teeth and soft tissues to cast replacement teeth |
| incisors | four upper and four lower front teeth. These teeth are used primarily for biting and cutting |
| interim/temporary prosthesis | a fixed or removable dental prosthesis designed to improve esthetics and function of teeth for a limited period of time, after which it is to be replaced by a final dental prosthesis. Often such prostheses are used to determine the effectiveness of a specific treatment or the form and function of the final prosthesis. |
| jaw bone | the hard bone that helps to support the face and in which teeth are anchored |
| lateral | sideways |
Mandible - Root
| mandible | the lower jaw |
| masticatory apparatus | Together with jaw, jaw joints and muscles, the teeth build the masticatory apparatus, which helps us chew, speak and smile. |
| maxilla | the upper jaw |
| membrane | a thin layer of tissue |
| molars | three teeth in the back of the mouth behind premolars used for grinding food |
| mouth guard | a device often used during sports activities that is inserted into the mouth and worn over the teeth to protect them against impact or injury |
| nerve (root) canal | the internal chamber of a tooth where nerves and blood vessels pass (dental pulp) |
| nerve | a bundle of fibrous tissue that uses electrical and chemical signals to transmit motor and sensory information from one body part to another tissue that conveys sensation, temperatures and information on position to the brain |
| oral cavity | medical term for the mouth |
| oral hygiene | process of maintaining cleanliness of teeth and related structures |
| oral surgeon | a healthcare provider who performs many types of surgical procedures in the oral cavity |
| orthodontist | a healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosis, prevention, interception and treatment of "bad bites", the teeth and surrounding structures through use of bands, wires, braces, etc. |
| osseointegration | integration of a dental implant in the bone |
| overdenture | any removable dental prosthesis that rests on soft tissue and can be connected to dental implants |
| palate | the roof of the mouth |
| partial denture | a removable denture that replaces some of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw |
| periodontitis | a disease in which the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets and bone is destroyed |
| permanent teeth | teeth that replace primary teeth. Usually adults build 32 permanent teeth |
| plaque | a white, sticky film formed by saliva proteins that attach to the tooth. Bacteria then stick to this film and produce a matrix. The food we eat helps bacteria grow and mature. |
| primary teeth | first teeth of a human being, also called milk or decidous teeth, which are shed and replaced by permanent teeth. |
| prophylaxis | instruction and motivation to clean teeth in order to prevent periodontitis and tooth decay |
| prosthesis | a fixed or removable tooth replacement (e.g. dental bridge, dentures) |
| prosthodontist | a dental specialist who restores or replaces teeth with fixed or removable prostheses |
| pulp | the living inside part of the tooth that contains nerve tissue and blood vessels that supply the tooth with nutrients |
| restoration | return tooth function by replacing a missing or damaged tooth. This can be done directly, i.e. inside the mouth, with e.g. fillings. A tooth can also be restored indirectly, i.e. outside the mouth, through crowns, bridges, dental implants, etc. |
| root | tooth structure that connects the crown to the jaw |
Saliva - X-rays
| saliva | clear fluid in the mouth |
| sedative | a type of medication used to reduce pain and anxiety |
| sensitivity | tooth sensitivity refers to a sharp, sudden, painful reaction in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, sour, salty, chemical or mechanical stimuli |
| sterile | free from diseases, bacteria, viruses and living microorganisms |
| tartar | also called calculus. A hard, yellow or dark deposit that forms on teeth through dead bacteria in plaque, by calcium salts in the saliva and fluids from underneath the gums. |
| trauma | injury caused by external force, chemicals, temperature extremes or poor tooth position |
| ultrasound | the use of ultrasonic waves in therapy or diagnostics in order to e.g. see internal structures or for deep-heat treatment |
| veneer | a thin, custom-made shell of tooth-colored plastic or porcelain that is attached to the front of a natural tooth to improve its appearance |
| wax-up | finished wax pattern for any dental prosthesis |
| wisdom tooth | last molar that usually erupts at age 18-25 |
| x-rays | to examine, photograph or treat with electromagnetic radiation |