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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
 A B C D E F G H I J K L
M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Air Abrasion - A conservative technique for
removing decay or preparing a tooth which can often be done
with no anesthesia.
Amalgam - Material made from mercury and other alloy mixtures used to restore a tooth.
This material is silver in color.
Anesthesia - Medications used to
numb sensations from a nerve.
Anterior Teeth - Front teeth.
Includes the central incisors, lateral incisors and cuspids.
Arch - The shape that the teeth of
the upper or lower jaw forms. back to top
Baby Bottle Tooth Decay - Caused by sugary substances in milk and juices,
which when left in a baby's mouth will cause generalized and
possibly painful tooth decay.
Bicuspids - Premolars. These
usually have two points (cusps) used for chewing.
Bitewings - X-rays that help a Dentist diagnose cavities
between teeth or around old restorations.
Bleaching - Chemical process used to lighten the
shade or color of teeth.
Bonding - Application of tooth-colored resin materials to the surface of the teeth
or in a cavity preparation.
Braces - These are usually used to straighten teeth
or correct over/under bites.
Bridge - A fixed partial denture
that replaces lost or missing teeth. Usually this
cannot be removed.
Bruxism - General term used to
describe teeth grinding or clenching. This is usually
a habit. back to top
Calculus - (also called tartar)
The deposit left on teeth when the sticky substance called
plaque hardens.
Canal - The chamber inside the tooth's root
which carries a nerve and blood supply.
Canines - Also called cuspids or
eye teeth.
Canker Sore - A light colored sore
that usually develops on the delicate tissues inside the
mouth.
Caries - A term for many bacteria
that cause tooth decay and cavities.
Cold Sore - Usually occurs on the outside of the mouth, usually on or near the nose or lips. A cold sore is contagious because it is caused by the herpes simplex virus.
It is usually painful and filled with fluid.
Composite Filling - Tooth colored restorations, also known as resin fillings.
Composite Resin - A tooth-colored resin combined with silica or porcelain and used as a restoration material.
Contouring - The process of reshaping teeth.
Cross Bite - This can occur when teeth do
not erupt in the proper location.
Crown - An artificial cover that is placed on the top of a tooth following restoration.
Cusps - The pointed parts on top of the back teeth's chewing surface.
Cuspids - Front teeth that typically have a
pointed edge. back to top
Decay - When bacteria cause the breakdown
of solid tooth structure.
Dentin - The layer of tooth between the pulp (nerve)
and the enamel.
Denture - A prosthetic, usually removable, set of
teeth. back to top
Ectopic Eruption - Condition where a tooth "comes in"
in the wrong place.
Endodontics - The branch of Dentistry that addresses problems affecting the tooth's root or nerve.
Endodontist - A specialized Dentist who mainly deals
with problems affecting a tooth's root or nerve. back to top
Fluoride - A naturally occurring substance added to water, toothpastes and some rinses and used for strengthening the tooth's enamel.
Fluorosis - A harmless over-exposure to fluoride
(mostly during tooth development) which can result in tooth discoloration. back to top
Gingiva - Another word for gum tissue.
Gingivitis - A minor disease of the gums caused by plaque.
Gum Disease - An infection of the gum tissues
which can lead to bone loss if not treated. A form of periodontal disease. back to top
Impacted Teeth - A condition in which a tooth fails to erupt or only partially erupts.
Implant - A permanent appliance used to replace a missing tooth
without using other teeth as attachments.
Incisor - Front teeth with cutting edges; located in the center or on the sides near the front.
Inlay - An artificial filling made of various materials, including porcelain, resin, or gold. back to top
Laminate Veneer - A shell that is bonded to the enamel of a front tooth. The shell is usually thin and made from porcelain resin.
Laughing Gas - see nitrous oxide. back to top
Malocclusion - Bad bite relationship.
Mandible - The lower jaw,
including teeth..
Maxilla - The upper jaw, including
teeth.
Molar - Usually the largest teeth, near the rear of the mouth. Molars have large chewing surfaces. back to top
Neuromuscular Dentistry - Branch
of Dentistry that specializes in the treatment of conditions
resulting in a aches and pains felt in around the neck and head that are associated with your teeth and jaw.
Nitrous Oxide - (also called Laughing Gas) Gas use to
help a nervous or anxious patient relax. back to top
Onlay - A lab-fabricated filling designed to protect the chewing surface of a tooth.
Orthodontics - A specialized
branch of Dentistry that deals with tooth and jaw alignment.
Overdenture - A dental appliance applied
placed over a small number of natural teeth or implants, which
is usually removable. back to top
Palate - Roof of the mouth.
Partial Denture - A removable appliance that replaces
some lost or missing teeth.
Pedodontics - A specialized branch of
Dentistry that deals with children's special dental needs.
Perio Pocket - An opening formed by
diseased gum tissue which houses bacteria..
Periodontal Disease - Infection of the gum tissues,
which may involve bone loss. Also called gum disease.
Periodontist - A specialized Dentist who treats diseases of the gums
and surrounding tissue.
Permanent Teeth - The teeth that erupt after primary teeth. Also called adult teeth.
Plaque - A sticky, colorless substance
produced by bacteria that covers the teeth after sleep or periods between brushing.
Posterior Teeth - The bicuspids and molars. Also called the back teeth.
Primary Teeth - A person's first set of teeth. Also called baby teeth or temporary teeth.
Prophylaxis - The act of cleaning the teeth.
Considered a preventive measure only.
Prosthodontics - The branch of Dentistry that deals with artificial dental appliances.
Pulp - The inner tissues of the tooth containing blood, nerves and connective tissue. back to top
Receding Gum - A condition in which the gums
move down the tooth following periods of aggressive
brushing, gum disease or bone loss.
Resin Filling - An artificial filling used to restore teeth. Also called a composite filling.
Root Canal - A procedure in which a tooth's nerve is removed and
the inner canal cleansed and later filled.
Root Planing - Scraping or cleansing of teeth to remove heavy buildup of tartar below the gum line. back to top
Scaling - Scraping off tartar found above
the gum line.
Sealant - A synthetic material placed on the tooth's surface that protects the enamel and chewing surfaces. back to top
TMD - Temporomandibular joint disorder. Health problems related to the jaw joint just in front of the ear.
TMJ - Temporomandibular joint.
Tarter - A hardened substance (also called calculus) that sticks to the tooth's surface. back to top
Veneer - A porcelain laminate or
composite applied or bonded to the tooth. back to top
Whitening - A process that employs
special bleaching agents for restoring the color of teeth.
Wisdom
Teeth - Third set of molars that erupt last in
adolescence. back to top |
SERVICES