Dental Terminology Chapter 13 Part I

endodontia

branch of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the dental pulp and its periradicular tissues

periradicular

around the root

endodontist

dental specialist who is limited to and performing the practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the dental pulp and its periradicular tissues

pulpitis

inflamed pulpal condition

necrotic

describing diseased pulp tissue that cannot recover and repair itself; irreversible condition

objective signs

conditions observed by someone other than the patient; Ex: hyperextension, putrefaction

tooth hyperextension

condition in which the tooth arises out of the socket

putrefaction

noticeable, unpleasant odor

subjective symptoms

conditions as described by the patient; Ex: hypersensitivity, pulpalgia

pulp

inner tooth tissue

palpation

application of finger pressure to body tissues, including gingiva

percussion

tapping on an affected tooth and comparing the sensation to tapping on a healthy (control) tooth

mobility

movement of a tooth in its socket during outside force or application of pressure

transillumination

light refraction test to reveal fractured tooth tissue

thermal

pulp sensitivity test with reaction to application of heat and/or cold to tooth surface

direct dentin stimulation

scratching the exposed dentin with an explorer; presence of pain indicates inflamed/irritated pulp tissue

electric pulp testing

applying an electrical current on the enamel surface of the tooth to register the tooth's pulpal sensitivity and presence of irritability

radiograph

x-ray examination and other technology (digital radiometric analysis, radiovisiongraphy, magnetic resonance imaging) to demonstate early changes of bone structure

periodontitis

inflammation around the tooth; pain is lessened/eliminated by removing the inflamed/necrotic pulp

abscess

local pus infection that may be acute or chronic

suppurative

producing pus

pericementitis

inflammation and necrosis of alveoli of the tooth

cyst

abnormal, closely walled fluid or exudates-filled sac in/around periapical tissues

cellulitis

inflammation of cellular/connective tissue

osteomyelitis

inflammation of the bone and bone marrow, usually caused by bacterial infection

pulpotomy

partial excision of dental pulp

pulpectomy

surgical removal of pulp from the tooth

root canal treatment (RCT)

surgical removal of pulp from the tooth

apicoectomy

surgical amputation of a root apex; may be necessary where there is a radical cyst

root end resection

surgical amputation of a root apex; may be necessary where there is a radical cyst

anesthesia

local injection to relieve pain and numb area occurring during the procedure; first step of root canal treatment

isolation of the operative area

accomplished to provide safety and to assure an aspectic site; second step of root canal treatment

aseptic

without disease

estirpation

removal of the pulpal tissue after the pulpal opening; third step of root canal treatment

debridement

removal of necrotic pulpal tissue and cleaning out of the area; fourth step of root canal treatment

irrigation and cleansing

use of chemicals and instruments to remove tissue dust and material matter from the pulp and pulp canals; fifth step of root canal treatment

obturation

fillling and closing of the canal area, 6th step of root canal

retrograde

process of filling a root canal beginning from the apex of the tooth to the pulp

retrofill endodontic restoration

process of filling a root canal beginning from the apex of the tooth to the pulp

restoration

returning of tooth to normal function and purpose; last step of root canal treatment

dental dam

used to isolate the endodontic site

dental dam material

thin sheet of latex or non-latex rubber that varies in thickness, color, and size; component of a dental dam

dental dam frame

device used to hold dental dam material in place; may be metal or plastic, rigid or adjustable

dental dam punch

device used to place selected holes in dam material for isolating a tooth/teeth

dental dam forceps

hand device used to transport and place clamps/retainers around a tooth being isolated with a dental dam

rubber dam stamp and pad

marking stamper and pad devices used to indicated alignment spots for puncturing dental dam material with the punch

dental dam clamp

retaining device used to hold dental dam material around the tooth; may be metal or resin and vary in size, shape, and style

dental dam ligature

material used to hold and secure dam material in the mouth; Ex: dental floss, latex stabilizing cord, small piece of dental dam

broach

thin, barbed, wired instrument inserted into a root canal to ensnare and remove pulp tissue and any natural/placed matter