Glossary

Abscess- a swelling caused by an infection resulting in a pus filled hole

Abutment- tooth, root or implant used to support an artificial tooth restoration

Air Abrasion - a method of removing tooth decay without a drill and anesthesia, by using compressed air and fine sand particles.

Alveolar process - the part of the jaw that holds the teeth

Amalgam - a combination of metals, usually including silver, nickel and mercury used to filled cavities in teeth

Anterior - term referring to the front area of the mouth

Apex- the end of the tooth root

Bell's palsy - paralysis of the facial nerve resulting in the permanent or temporary immobilization of the eye on either side of the face . Usually caused by injury or infection

Bicuspids - (premolars) teeth between the canine teeth and molars.

Bonding - a cosmetic procedure in which teeth are coated with composite resin in order to cover stains or improve appearance.

Bridge - an artificial fixed or removable prosthesis replacing one or more teeth.

Calculus - hardened deposit of mineral salts formed around the teeth.

Canine teeth - teeth next to the lateral incisors identified by pointed cusp used for tearing food

Canker sores - painful noncontiguous sores that form inside the mouth and on the lips

Composite resin - a tooth colored mixture of plastic resin and finely ground glass . Used to fill cavities in teeth.

Crown - visible part of tooth covered by enamel. Crown - artificial - (cap) restoration made of metal or porcelain covering damaged tooth.

Cusp- a pointed projection located on the chewing of biting surface of tooth.

Deciduous teeth - (baby teeth) first set of teeth that is later replaced by permanent teeth.

Dentin - a mid part of tooth surrounding the pulp and covered by enamel

Denture - a partial or full set of artificial removable teeth

Enamel - the hard white outer covering of the tooth

Extrusion - the jutting of a tooth beyond it's correct position

Gingivitis - a condition in which the gums are red, swollen and bleeding. Most cases result from poor oral hygiene and the build-up of plaque on teeth

Halitosis - bad breath, caused by tooth decay, gum disease, digestive problems, smoking or some systemic diseases.

Impacted tooth - a condition in which a tooth is unable to erupt normally because of it's position against the gum or bone

Implant - tooth replacement inserted into the bone in order to provide structure for an artificial fixed restoration.

Incisors - (central and lateral) the four front teeth used for cutting food

Malocclusion - (bad bite) abnormal contact between upper and lower teeth

Mandible - the lower jawbone

Maxilla - the upper jawbone

Maxillofacial - relating to the lower half of the face

Molars - back teeth used for grinding food. The furthest (third) molars are also known as wisdom teeth.

Nitrous Oxide - (laughing gas) a gas used as an anesthetic in dentistry and other medical procedures.

Orthodontics - branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis of misaligned teeth.

Overbite - a vertical overlapping of the upper teeth over the lower teeth

Papillae - small projections on the surface of the tongue

Partial - (denture) removable appliance replacing one or more teeth.

Periodontal - relating to the gums and bone structure that surrounds and supports teeth

Plaque - a thin film on the surface of teeth made up of material in saliva containing bacteria

Post - a metal or carbon fiber support used to reinforce a tooth that has had a root canal therapy.

Posterior - term referring to the back part of the mouth

Premolars - see bicuspids

Prosthetic - referring to the artificial part of the human body

Pulp - soft, spongy tissue in the center of the tooth containing blood vessels and nerves

Root canal - space in the root of tooth that contains pulp tissue

Root canal therapy - a procedure in which root canal is cleaned, shaped and filled

Tartar - a salivary deposit of calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and organic matter on natural or artificial teeth