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Dental Glossary

Dental Glossary

A comprehensive A-Z reference of dental terms, procedures, and concepts explained in plain language.

78 terms

A B C D E F G H I JKL M N O PQR S TUV W XYZ

A

AbscessRead more: A localized pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, occurring either at the tip of a tooth root (periapical abscess) or in the gums alongside a tooth root (periodontal abscess). An abscess requires prompt dental treatment and will not resolve on its own.; Related:Root CanalPeriodontal DiseasePulpitis
AbutmentRead more: A tooth, root, or implant that serves as the support or anchor for a dental prosthesis such as a bridge, partial denture, or implant crown. The abutment connects the replacement tooth to the underlying structure.; Related:BridgeImplantCrown
AmalgamRead more: A durable silver-colored filling material made from a mixture of metals including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Amalgam has been used in dentistry for over 150 years and is known for its strength and longevity, particularly in posterior teeth.; Related:CompositeFillingRestoration
Anterior TeethRead more: The six front teeth in each jaw (upper and lower), comprising the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines. These teeth are primarily used for cutting and tearing food.; Related:IncisorCaninePosterior Teeth
ApicoectomyRead more: A surgical procedure in which the tip (apex) of a tooth's root is removed along with the surrounding infected tissue, and a small filling is placed to seal the root end. It is typically performed when a conventional root canal treatment has failed.; Related:Root CanalEndodonticsAbscess

B

BicuspidRead more: Another name for a premolar tooth, which has two pointed cusps on its biting surface. Adults have eight bicuspids, located between the canines and molars.; Related:PremolarMolarCanine
BiteRead more: The way the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed, also known as occlusion. A proper bite ensures even distribution of chewing forces.; Related:MalocclusionOrthodonticsBraces
BleachingRead more: A cosmetic dental procedure that uses peroxide-based agents to lighten the color of teeth, removing stains and discoloration for a brighter smile.; Related:VeneerEnamelComposite
BondingRead more: A cosmetic procedure in which tooth-colored composite resin is applied to a tooth to repair chips, close gaps, change shape, or improve color. It is a quick and affordable alternative to veneers.; Related:CompositeVeneerCrown
BracesRead more: Orthodontic devices consisting of brackets bonded to teeth and connected by archwires, used to gradually move teeth into proper alignment and correct bite problems.; Related:OrthodonticsInvisalignRetainerMalocclusion
BridgeRead more: A fixed dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants.; Related:AbutmentCrownImplantPontic
BruxismRead more: The involuntary grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, often occurring during sleep. Bruxism can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and damage to dental restorations.; Related:NightguardTemporomandibular Joint (TMJ)Malocclusion

C

CalculusRead more: Hardened dental plaque that has mineralized on the tooth surface, also called tartar. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing and requires professional cleaning.; Related:PlaqueProphylaxisPeriodontal DiseaseGingivitis
CanineRead more: The pointed teeth located at the corners of the dental arches, designed for tearing food. Also called cuspids or eye teeth, there are four canines in a full adult dentition.; Related:IncisorAnterior TeethImpaction
CariesRead more: The scientific term for tooth decay, a disease process caused by bacteria that produce acids which dissolve tooth enamel and dentin, creating cavities.; Related:CavityFillingEnamelFluorideSealant
CavityRead more: A hole in a tooth caused by decay (caries), resulting from acid-producing bacteria that dissolve tooth structure over time.; Related:CariesFillingCrownRoot Canal
CompositeRead more: A tooth-colored filling material made of a mixture of plastic resin and fine glass particles, used for fillings, bonding, and other restorations that blend with natural teeth.; Related:AmalgamBondingFillingResin
CrownRead more: A tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination.; Related:BridgeVeneerRoot CanalRestoration
CurettageRead more: A periodontal procedure that involves scraping or cleaning the soft tissue lining of a diseased gum pocket to remove infected tissue and promote healing.; Related:Periodontal DiseaseGingivaRoot Planing

D

Deciduous TeethRead more: The first set of 20 teeth that develop in childhood, also called primary teeth, baby teeth, or milk teeth. They begin erupting around 6 months of age and are gradually replaced by permanent teeth.; Related:EnamelCavityFluoride
DentinRead more: The hard, yellowish tissue that makes up the bulk of a tooth beneath the enamel and cementum. Dentin is softer than enamel and contains microscopic tubules that can transmit sensation.; Related:EnamelPulpSensitivityCaries
DentureRead more: A removable dental prosthesis that replaces missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue. Dentures can be complete (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing some teeth).; Related:BridgeImplantPontic
Dry SocketRead more: A painful condition (alveolar osteitis) that occurs when the blood clot at the site of a tooth extraction dissolves or dislodges prematurely, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.; Related:ExtractionWisdom Tooth

E

EnamelRead more: The hard, translucent outer covering of the tooth crown. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, composed primarily of hydroxyapatite minerals.; Related:DentinFluorideCariesSensitivity
EndodonticsRead more: The branch of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues, most commonly through root canal therapy.; Related:Root CanalPulpApicoectomyAbscess
ExtractionRead more: The removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone, performed when a tooth is too damaged to repair or for orthodontic or other clinical reasons.; Related:Wisdom ToothDry SocketImplant

F

FillingRead more: A dental restoration used to repair a tooth damaged by decay. The decayed portion is removed and filled with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, gold, or ceramic.; Related:CavityCompositeAmalgamRestoration
FissureRead more: A narrow groove or cleft in the chewing surface of a tooth, particularly molars and premolars. Fissures are common sites for cavity development because they trap food and bacteria.; Related:SealantCariesMolar
FluorideRead more: A naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. It is found in many water supplies, toothpastes, and professional dental treatments.; Related:EnamelCariesSealantProphylaxis
FrenumRead more: A small fold of tissue that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the jawbone. An abnormally tight or short frenum can restrict movement and may require surgical correction (frenectomy).; Related:GingivaOrthodontics

G

GingivaRead more: The gum tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth, covering the alveolar bone. Healthy gingiva is pink, firm, and stippled (textured like orange peel).; Related:GingivitisPeriodontal DiseaseGum Disease
GingivitisRead more: The mildest form of gum disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. Gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional cleaning.; Related:Periodontal DiseaseGum DiseasePlaqueCalculus
GraftRead more: A surgical procedure that transplants tissue from one area to another. In dentistry, bone grafts rebuild jawbone for implants, and gum grafts cover exposed tooth roots.; Related:ImplantPeriodontal DiseaseGingiva
Gum DiseaseRead more: An infection of the tissues that hold teeth in place, ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis that can destroy bone and lead to tooth loss.; Related:GingivitisPeriodontal DiseasePlaqueCalculus

H

HalitosisRead more: Chronic bad breath that persists despite normal oral hygiene. Halitosis can originate from oral sources (bacteria, gum disease, dry mouth) or systemic conditions.; Related:Gum DiseaseGingivitisXerostomia

I

ImpactionRead more: A condition where a tooth fails to fully emerge through the gums into its normal position, often because it is blocked by bone, other teeth, or dense soft tissue.; Related:Wisdom ToothExtractionOrthodontics
ImplantRead more: A titanium or zirconia post surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root, supporting a crown, bridge, or denture.; Related:AbutmentBridgeCrownDentureGraft
IncisorRead more: The flat, chisel-shaped front teeth used for cutting food. Adults have eight incisors: four upper and four lower, consisting of central and lateral incisors.; Related:Anterior TeethCanineEnamel
InlayRead more: A custom-made filling fabricated in a dental laboratory and cemented into a tooth cavity. Inlays fit within the cusps of a tooth, unlike onlays which extend over one or more cusps.; Related:OnlayCrownFillingRestoration
InvisalignRead more: A brand of clear, removable plastic aligners used as an alternative to traditional braces for straightening teeth. The aligners are custom-made and changed every 1-2 weeks.; Related:BracesOrthodonticsRetainerMalocclusion

J

JawRead more: The bony framework of the mouth consisting of the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible), which hold the teeth and form the structure of the face.; Related:MandibleMaxillaTemporomandibular Joint (TMJ)Malocclusion

L

LaminateRead more: A thin shell of porcelain or composite material bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. Also known as a dental veneer or porcelain laminate.; Related:VeneerBondingCrownComposite
Local AnesthesiaRead more: Medication injected near the treatment site to numb a specific area of the mouth, preventing pain during dental procedures while the patient remains fully conscious.; Related:ExtractionRoot CanalFilling

M

MalocclusionRead more: A misalignment or incorrect relationship between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed. Common types include overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.; Related:OrthodonticsBracesInvisalignBite
MandibleRead more: The lower jawbone, which is the largest and strongest bone of the face. The mandible holds the lower teeth and is the only movable bone in the skull.; Related:MaxillaJawTemporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
MaxillaRead more: The upper jawbone, which holds the upper teeth, forms the floor of the eye sockets, and contains the maxillary sinuses. Unlike the mandible, the maxilla is fixed to the skull.; Related:MandibleJawPalateImplant
MolarRead more: The large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth designed for grinding and chewing food. Adults have 12 molars, including the third molars (wisdom teeth).; Related:Wisdom ToothPremolarFissureSealant
MouthguardRead more: A protective device worn over the teeth to prevent injury during sports or physical activities. Custom-fitted mouthguards provide the best protection and comfort.; Related:NightguardBruxism

N

NightguardRead more: A custom-made oral appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from damage caused by bruxism (grinding and clenching). Also called an occlusal splint or bite guard.; Related:BruxismTemporomandibular Joint (TMJ)Mouthguard

O

OcclusalRead more: Relating to the biting or chewing surface of posterior teeth (premolars and molars), or to the way the upper and lower teeth come together.; Related:BiteMalocclusionBruxism
OnlayRead more: A custom-made dental restoration that covers one or more cusps of a tooth, sometimes called a partial crown. Onlays are larger than inlays but less extensive than full crowns.; Related:InlayCrownFillingRestoration
OrthodonticsRead more: The dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth and jaws (malocclusion) using braces, clear aligners, and other appliances.; Related:BracesInvisalignMalocclusionRetainer

P

PalateRead more: The roof of the mouth, consisting of the hard palate (bony front portion) and the soft palate (muscular back portion). The palate separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.; Related:MaxillaDentureOrthodontics
Periodontal DiseaseRead more: A chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacterial infection that destroys the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone supporting the teeth. Also known as periodontitis.; Related:GingivitisGum DiseasePlaqueCalculusRoot Planing
PlaqueRead more: A soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that continuously forms on teeth and along the gumline. Plaque is the primary cause of tooth decay and gum disease.; Related:CalculusCariesGingivitisPeriodontal Disease
PonticRead more: The artificial tooth in a dental bridge that spans the gap left by a missing tooth. The pontic is suspended between and supported by crowns on the adjacent abutment teeth.; Related:BridgeAbutmentCrown
Posterior TeethRead more: The back teeth including premolars and molars, designed for crushing, grinding, and chewing food. Adults have 20 posterior teeth.; Related:MolarPremolarAnterior TeethBicuspid
PremolarRead more: A transitional tooth located between the canine and molar, featuring two cusps for crushing food. Adults have eight premolars, also called bicuspids.; Related:BicuspidMolarCaninePosterior Teeth
ProphylaxisRead more: A professional dental cleaning procedure that removes plaque, calculus, and stains from the teeth to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.; Related:PlaqueCalculusFluorideGingivitis
ProsthodonticsRead more: The dental specialty focused on replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function using prostheses such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant-supported restorations.; Related:CrownBridgeDentureImplantVeneer
PulpRead more: The soft tissue inside a tooth containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The pulp nourishes the tooth during development and provides sensation throughout life.; Related:Root CanalPulpitisDentinEndodontics
PulpitisRead more: Inflammation of the dental pulp, usually caused by deep tooth decay, trauma, or extensive dental work. Pulpitis can be reversible (treatable) or irreversible (requiring root canal).; Related:PulpRoot CanalAbscessCavity

R

ResinRead more: A tooth-colored synthetic material used in fillings, bonding, veneers, and sealants. Dental resin (composite resin) combines plastic polymers with glass or ceramic filler particles.; Related:CompositeBondingFillingSealant
RestorationRead more: Any dental procedure or material used to repair or replace damaged or missing tooth structure, including fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures.; Related:FillingCrownBridgeImplantVeneer
RetainerRead more: A custom-made orthodontic device worn after braces or aligners to maintain teeth in their new positions and prevent relapse.; Related:BracesOrthodonticsInvisalign
Root CanalRead more: A dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and shapes the canal system, and seals it with a filling material to save the tooth.; Related:PulpEndodonticsCrownAbscessPulpitis
Root PlaningRead more: A deep cleaning procedure that smooths the root surfaces of teeth below the gumline, removing bacterial deposits and creating a clean surface for gum tissue to reattach.; Related:Periodontal DiseaseCalculusCurettageGingivitis

S

SealantRead more: A thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent decay by sealing the deep grooves and fissures where bacteria accumulate.; Related:FissureFluorideCariesMolar
SensitivityRead more: A sharp, temporary pain in one or more teeth triggered by hot, cold, sweet, acidic, or air stimuli. Also called dentin hypersensitivity, it occurs when dentin or tooth roots become exposed.; Related:DentinEnamelGingivaBruxism

T

TartarRead more: Hardened dental plaque that has calcified on tooth surfaces, also called calculus. Tartar forms above and below the gumline and can only be removed by professional dental instruments.; Related:CalculusPlaqueProphylaxisGingivitis
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)Read more: The hinge joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull, located just in front of each ear. TMJ disorders cause pain, clicking, and restricted jaw movement.; Related:BruxismNightguardMandibleJaw
Tooth DecayRead more: The progressive destruction of tooth structure caused by acids produced by bacteria in dental plaque, leading to cavities. Also known as dental caries.; Related:CariesCavityPlaqueFluorideEnamel
Tooth WhiteningRead more: Cosmetic procedures that lighten tooth color by removing stains and discoloration, using peroxide-based bleaching agents or surface-level polishing techniques.; Related:BleachingVeneerEnamel

V

VeneerRead more: A thin shell of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance by changing its color, shape, size, or length.; Related:LaminateBondingCrownComposite

W

Wisdom ToothRead more: The third and final set of molars that typically emerge between ages 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth often become impacted due to insufficient space in the jaw and frequently require extraction.; Related:ExtractionImpactionMolarDry Socket

X

X-Ray (Dental)Read more: Diagnostic imaging that uses low-dose radiation to capture images of teeth, bones, and surrounding tissues, revealing problems not visible during a clinical examination.; Related:CavityRoot CanalImplant
XerostomiaRead more: Chronic dry mouth caused by reduced saliva production. Xerostomia increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections, and can significantly affect quality of life.; Related:CariesHalitosisFluoride

Z

ZirconiaRead more: A strong, tooth-colored ceramic material (zirconium dioxide) used to fabricate dental crowns, bridges, implants, and abutments. Zirconia is known for exceptional strength and biocompatibility.; Related:CrownBridgeImplantRestoration