HOSA Dental Terminology Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering dental terminology, anatomical structures, operative instruments, restorative procedures, endodontics, prosthodontics, pathology, and radiation safety from HOSA Dental Terminology review notes.

Maximum Permissible Dose (MPD)

Highest rate of radiation exposure.

Roentgen (R)

Basic unit of exposure to radiation; C/kg.

Rad (radiation absorbed dose)

Unit of absorbed radiation; Gy.

Rem (roentgen equivalent measure)

Unit of radiation needed to produce the same biological effect of one R; Sv.

Erythema Dose

Radiation overdose that produces redness of the skin.

Dosimeter

Device to measure the amount of stray/secondary radiation.

Phantom

Device used for practice in learning radiation-exposure techniques; Dexter.

Sterilize

The process where ALL forms of life are completely destroyed, including all microorganisms; bacteria, fungi, viruses, and bacterial spores (e.g., autoclave, chemical vapor sterilization, and dry heat sterilization).

Disinfect

The process where SOME forms of microorganisms are destroyed; does not destroy spores and resistant viruses.

Sanitize

The process that cleans and destroys FEW microorganisms.

Bioburden

Any visible organic debris, blood, saliva, and other body fluids.

Abfraction

Loss of tooth surface in the cervical area, caused by tooth grinding compression forces.

Ameloblast

Enamel forming cells.

Gomphosis

Holding and anchoring action of a tooth in its socket.

Cingulum

Smooth, convex, or rounded bump on lingual of maxillary anteriors.

Gnarled Enamel

Enamel rods twisting and curving within enamel tissue.

Lamellae

Developmental imperfections of the enamel extending to the dentin.

Sharpey's Fibers

Periodontal ligaments that attach and hold the tooth.

Mulling

Final step of mixing dental amalgam.

Hemisection

Complete sectioning through the crown of a tooth.

Lentula

A flexible spiral-wire instrument.

Spatulation

Manipulation of material with a spatula to mix it into a mass.

Amalgam

An alloy, one of the constituents of which is mercury.

Cementum

Specialized connective tissue that covers the anatomic root of the tooth.

Asepsis

Free of viable pathogenic microorganisms.

Tragus

Prominence in front of the external ear opening.

Radiolucent

Permitting the passage of radiant energy.

Swage

Shaping metal by hammering it into a die.

Trismus

Spasms of the masticatory muscles.

Typodont

Artificial model of teeth used for teaching technique exercises.

Leukoplakia

White plaque formed on the oral mucous membranes.

Alveolitis

Infection or inflammation of the alveolar bone; a dry socket.

Ankyloglossia

Shortness of the lingual frenum, "tongue-tied", causing limited tongue movement.

Dens in Dente

Tooth within a tooth.

Dentinogenesis Imperfecta

Incomplete or improper development of dentin tissue, between enamel and cementum.

Ranula

Mucocele in the floor of the mouth in the sublingual duct.

Apexification

Treatment of a nonvital tooth to stimulate closure and the development of cementum.

Apexogenesis

Pulpotomy of permanent tooth whereby pulp vitality is maintained, allowing time for the root end to develop and close.

Cementoenamel Junction (CEJ)

Junction of the enamel of the crown and of the cementum of the root, forming the cervical line around the tooth.

Cusp of Carabelli

Fifth lobe of a maxillary first molar.

Succedaneous

Permanent teeth that succeed, or take the place of deciduous teeth after the latter have been shed (incisors, canines, and premolars).

Nonsuccedaneous

Permanent teeth that do not succeed or replace deciduous teeth.

Bruxism

The parafunctional grinding of the teeth.

Tofflemire Retainer

Holds stainless steel matrix together; different parts hold and tighten the matrix securely to the tooth.

Barbed Broaches

Intracanal instruments used to remove soft tissue from the pulpal canal.

Hedstrom File

Hand instrument used for enlargement of the canal; has spirals that cut only on the pull stroke to make dentinal walls smooth and easier to fill.

Pontic

Artificial tooth part of a bridge that replaces the missing tooth and restores function to the bite.

Abutment

A tooth or implant that supports and retains a dental prosthesis.

Pericoronitis

Inflammation around the crown of a partially erupted tooth.

Crepitus

Grinding, joint abrasion, or cracking sound associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Exfoliative Biopsy

Diagnostic procedure in which cells are scraped from a suspect oral lesion for analysis.

Torus Palatinus

Exophytic nodular growth of dense cortical bone located in the midline of the hard palate.

Torus Mandibularis

Exophytic nodular growth of dense cortical bone located in the canine/premolar area of the lingual mandible.

Operculum

A hood of tissue over a partially erupted tooth.