Dental Terminology And Their Uses

DENTAL VOCABULARY

• Abrasion: loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique, or Bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).
• abscess: an infection of a tooth, soft tissue or bone
• abutment: tooth or teeth that support a fixed or removable bridge
• adhesive dentistry: contemporary term for dental restorations that involve "bonding" of tooth colored composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth
• air abrasion: removal of tooth decay by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive particles, a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for anesthetic
• allergy: unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug
• alveolar bone: the jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth
• amalgam: a most common filling material, also known as "silver fillings", containing mercury (app 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc commonly used for fillings in past years (white "composite" fillings are preferred by most patients.
• analgesia: a state of pain relief; an agent lessening pain
• anesthesia: partial or complete elimination of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness
• anterior teeth: the six upper or six lower front teeth (canines, laterals & central incisors)
• antibiotic: a drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria
• ANUG: an acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent's disease, aggravated by stress and/or smoking
• apex: the tip of the root of a tooth
• apicoectomy: surgical removal of  an infected root tip to treat a dead tooth
• arch : describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth
• attrition: loss of structure due to natural wear
• base: cement placed under a dental restoration to insulate the pulp (nerve chamber)
• bicuspid or pre-molar: transitional teeth behind the cuspids (canines)
• bifurcation (trifurcation): exposure of the juncture of two (three) roots in posterior teeth
• biopsy: removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination
• bite wings: caries (decay) detection x-rays
• bite: relationship of the upper and lower teeth on closure (occlusion)
• black hairy tongue: elongated papillae on the tongue, promoting the growth of more microorganisms
• bleaching: chemical or laser treatment of natural teeth for whitening effect
• 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: 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), can result in tooth loss if left untreated.
• braces: devices used by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth to a more favorable 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
• bruxism: grinding or gnashing of the teeth, most commonly while the patient is asleep
• bruxomania: persistent "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient is awake
• calcium: chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves
• calculus: hard residue that forms on the teeth composed of old plaque and food particles commonly known as "tarter"
• calculus: hard residue, commonly known as "tarter," that forms on teeth due to inadequate plaque control, often stained yellow or brown
• canker sore: mouth sore appearing whitish, often with a red halo, of ten to fourteen day duration
• canker sore: mouth sore appearing whitish, often with a red halo, of ten to fourteen day duration
• cantilever bridge: fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth only on one end
• cap: common term for dental crown
• caries: tooth decay or "cavities"
• cast or model: reproduction of oral structures made by pouring plaster or stone into a mold
• Cavitron: dental tool that uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to gently clean teeth
• cellulitis: soft tissue infection causing extensive, hard swelling, a potentially dangerous condition requiring immediate attention
• cementum: hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth
• chart: log of dental or medical records
• clasp: device that retains a removable partial denture to stationary teeth; can be metal or acrylic (matches teeth and gums)
• cleaning: removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line; preventive procedure that is usually done every 6 months (may need to be done more frequently for some individuals)
• composite resin: material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles; usually cured with filtered light or chemical catalyst
• cosmetic (aesthetic) dentistry: treatments performed to enhance appearance; not a recognized specialty
• 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)
• crown: (1) the portion of a tooth above the gum line; (2) dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth
• curettage: removal of diseased tissue from the lining of a periodontal pocket
• cusp: mound on posterior teeth that aids in chewing
• cuspid or canine: the four "eye teeth"
• cyst: a soft or hard tissue sac, hard or filled with fluid
• DDS: Doctor of Dental Surgery - equivalent to DMD
• decay: destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria
• deciduous teeth: commonly called "baby teeth," the first set of (usually) twenty teeth
• dental implant: a (usually) titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental restoration or appliance
• dentin: inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel
• dentition: the arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth
• denture: removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth
• denturism: the production of dentures dispensed directly by laboratory technicians
• diastema: open space between teeth
• DMD: Doctor of Medical Dentistry - equivalent to DDS
• enamel: hard tissue covering the portion of tooth above the gum line
• endodontist: specialist who treats injuries, diseases and infections of the tooth pulp (nerve chamber)
• epidemiology: study of the incidence of disease in a population
• eruption: process of teeth protruding through the gums
• exfoliate: process of shedding deciduous (baby) teeth
• exodontia: practice of dental extractions
• explorer: sharp instrument used to detect decay on the surface of teeth
• extraction: removal of a tooth
• eyeteeth: the four upper and lower canine (cuspid) teeth
• facing: tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown; may be acrylic, composite or porcelain
• FAGD: Fellowship Academy of General Dentistry
• 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
• forceps: instrument used for removal of teeth
• forensic dentistry: practice of gathering legal evidence for body identification or judicial issues
• 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
• frenectomy: removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth
• full denture: removable dental prosthesis (appliance) replacing all upper or lower teeth
• full mouth reconstruction: extensive restorations of natural teeth with crowns and or fixed bridges to manage restorative and bite problems.
• general anesthesia: controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of pain sensation, protective reflexes, and the ability to respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command
• geographic tongue: benign changes in the usual color and texture of tongue; does not require treatment
• gingiva: gum tissue
• gingivectomy: surgical removal of gum tissue
• gingivitis: inflammation of gum tissue
• GTR: (guided tissue regeneration) a new technique for replacing bone tissue
• gum boil: See fistula.
• gum recession: exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, bone loss from periodontal disease or surgery
• halitosis: bad breath of oral or gastrointestinal origin
• Heimlich Maneuver: techinque employed by rescuer for obstruction of victim's airway
• hematoma: swelling of effused blood beneath tissue surface
• HMO or DMO: health (dental) maintenance organization which specifies a health care (dental) provider a patient may see. Profitability depends on minimization of treatment.
• 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, nitrous oxide and performs periodontal scaling
• hyperemia: increased blood flow; may cause dental sensitivity to temperature and sweets; may precede an abscess
• impaction: partial or completely unexposed tooth that is wedged against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue, precluding the eruption process
• implant: artificial device replacing tooth root; may anchor an artificial tooth, bridge, or denture
• impression: mold made of the teeth and soft tissues
• incision and drainage: surgical incision of an abscess to drain suppuration (pus)
• incisors: four upper and four lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth)
• infiltration: local anesthetic procedure effective for upper teeth and soft tissue; placement of anesthetic under the gum, allowing it to seep into bone
• inlay: indirect - filling made by a dental laboratory that is cemented or bonded into place, direct - placement of dental composite resin, or porcelaion restoration at chairside
• interocclusal: space between upper and lower teeth
• interproximal: surfaces of adjoining teeth
• intraoral camera:a small video camera used to view and magnify oral conditions; images may be printed
• jacket: crown for a front tooth, usually made of porcelain
• laminate: thin plastic or porcelain veneer produced in a dental laboratory and then bonded to a tooth
• laughing gas: nitrous oxide; odorless inhalation agent that produces relative analgesic (sedation); reduces anxiety and creates a state of relaxation
• lesion: injury of bodily tissue due to infection, trauma or neoplasm
• local anesthesia: partial or complete elimination of pain sensation, in the immediate vicinity of its application or injection
• MAGD: Masters Academy of General Dentistry
• malocclusion: "bad bite" or misalignment of the upper and lower teeth
• managed care: program whereby patient-dentist assignment and dentist reimbursement is administered by a separate, external organization
• mandible: the lower jaw
• margin: interface between a restoration and tooth structure
• Maryland bridge: a bridge that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth; requires minimum tooth reduction
• mastication: process of chewing food
• maxilla: the upper jaw
• meniscus: capsular cushion between temporomandibluar joint and glenoid fossa
• milk teeth: deciduous (baby) teeth
• molars: three back teeth in each dental quadrant used for grinding food.
• moniliasis (thrush): opportunistic fungal infection after administration of antibiotic; not uncommon in the mouth
• mucogingival junction (MGJ): meeting of thick, protective gingival tissue around the teeth and the friable mucous lining of the cheeks and lips
• nerve (root) canal: dental pulp; the internal chamber of a tooth
• nerve: tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, position information to the brain
• night guard: acrylic appliance used to prevent wear and temporomandibular damage caused by grinding or gnashing of the teeth during sleep
• nitrous oxide: a gas used to reduce patient anxiety
• Novocain: older brand name for a local anesthetic, currently replaced by safer, more effective agents
• NSAID: non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often used as a dental analgesic
• occlusion: closure; relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure
• onlay: laboratory produced restoration covering one or more cusps of a tooth
• oral and maxillofacial surgeon: a dental specialist who manages the diagnosis & surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures; Requires four additional years of training after dental school
• oral and maxillofacial surgery: surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws
• oral cavity: the mouth
• oral hygiene: process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures
• oral pathologist: dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases
• orthodontics: dental specialty that treats misalignment of teeth
• osseous: boney
• overbite: vertical overlap of the front teeth; deep bite
• overdenture: denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants
• overjet: horizontal overlap of the front teeth; protruding front teeth
• palate: hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth
• palliative treatment: non invasive relief of irritating conditions
• parasthesia: a partial loss of sensation; may be temporary or permanent
• partial denture: removable dental prosthesis (appliance) replacing one or more natural teeth
• pathology: study of disease
• pedodontics or pediatric dentistry: dental specialty focusing on treatment of children
• periapical (PA): region at the end of the roots of teeth
• periodontal chart: record measuring the depth of gum pockets around the teeth along with documenting sites of associated infection
• periodontal surgery: recontouring or esthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue
• periodontist: dental specialist treating the gums and supporting soft and hard tissues retaining natural teeth and the surgical placement of dental implants
• permanent teeth: (usually) thirty-two adult teeth in a complete dentition
• pit: a small defect in the tooth enamel; junction of four formative lobes of a developing tooth
• placebo: inert medication or treatment that produces psychological benefit
• plaque: soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth; composed of bacteria and food debris due to inadequate dental hygiene
• pontic: replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance
• 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-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place
• porcelain veneers: a thin layer of porcelain, fabricated by a laboratory) bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape
• post: thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy; provides retention for a "coping" that replaces lost tooth structure and retains crown
• post-core: post and buildup to replace lost tooth structure and retain crown
• post-crown: single structure that combines post-core and crown
• PPO or PDO: preferred provider (dental) organization which a health care (dental) provider may join, offering fee for service treatment at reduced fees
• prognosis: the anticipated outcome of treatment
• prophylaxis: cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth decay
• prosthesis: an artificial appliance for the replacement for a body part, tooth or teeth
• prosthodontist: dental specialist skilled in restoring or replacing teeth with fixed or removable prosthesis (appliance), maintaining proper occlusion; treats facial deformities with artificial prostheses such as eyes, ears, and noses
• pulp cap: a medicated covering over a small area of exposed pulp tissue
• pulp chamber: the center or innermost portion of the tooth containing the pulp
• pulp: the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside a tooth
• pulpectomy: complete removal of the pulp (commonly done in children's teeth)
• pulpitis: inflammation of the pulp; common cause of toothache
• pulpotomy: partial removal of the pulp tissue
• pyorrhea: older term for periodontal (gum) disease
• reimplantation: insertion and temporary fixation of partially or completely avulsed tooth or teeth, resulting from traumatic injury
• reline: acrylic restoration of denture base to compensate for bone loss; direct: done at chairside; indirect: in conjunction with a dental laboratory
• restoration: replacement of portion of a damaged tooth
• retained root: partial root structure remaining in jaw after extraction or fracture of a natural tooth
• root canal therapy: process of removing pulp of a tooth and filling it with an inert material
• root canal: common term for root canal therapy, also the interior space of the tooth root
• root resection: removal of a portion of diseased root structure, retaining the remaining natural tooth
• root: tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw
• rubber dam: soft latex 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 ejector: suction tube placed in the mouth to remove saliva
• saliva ejector: suction tube placed in the mouth to remove saliva
• saliva: clear lubricating fluid in the mouth containing water, enzymes, bacteria, mucus, viruses, blood cells and undigested food particles
• salivary glands: located under tongue and in cheeks, produce saliva
• scaling and root planing: meticulous removal of plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces
• sealants: thin resin material bonded in the pits and fissures of back teeth for the prevention of decay
• secondary dentin: reparative tooth structure produced by the pulp in response to tooth irritation
• sequstrum: loosened spicule of bone pushed to the surface
• sinusitis: inflammation of the sinus that may mimic dental pain
• sleep apnea: the periodic interruption or delay in breathing during sleep
• space maintainer: dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth
• splint: connection of two or more teeth so they function as a stronger single structure
• supernumerary tooth: extra tooth
• suppuration: bacterial contamination of tissue exudate; pus
• tartar: common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth; produces rough surface that attracts plaque
• third-party provider: insurance company, union, government agency that pays all or a part of cost of dental treatment
• tmd (or tmj disorder): temperomandibular disorder; term given to condition characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open or move the jaw
• tmj: the temporomandibular joint, the point where the lower jaw attaches to the skull
• tooth bud: early embryonic structure that becomes a tooth
• tooth whitening: a chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth; can be done with a professional take-home product or in office in about 1 hour.
• topical anesthetic: ointment that produces mild anesthesia when applied to tissue surface
• torus: common bony protuberance on the palate or lower jaw
• 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
• trench mouth: gum disease characterized by severe mouth sores and loss of tissue. See ANUG.
• UCR: usual, customary and reasonable fees
• unerupted tooth: a tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the dental arch
• veneer: plastic or porcelain facing bonded directly to a tooth to improve its appearance. See laminate.
• vertical dimension: arbitrary space between upper and lower jaws upon closure; may decrease over time due to wear, shifting or damage to the teeth; may need to be re-established in order to avoid problems with bite or tompromandibular joint (TMJ)
• wisdom teeth: third (last) molars that usually erupt at age 18-25 (when "wisdom is attained")
• xerostomia:dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva; can be side effect of common medications; patients with this situation may need fluoride supplementation and/or saliva substitute to avoid high decay rate

Basic Dental instruments Names and Pictures pdf

LAST UPDATED: 3/10/2018